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Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
David Snelling & Aaron Morris

Sky, Virgin and BT customers offered nine months of free broadband if they switch

UK-based broadband provider Hyperoptic is attempting to pull users away from their current network supplier, by launching a brand-new incentive which offers up to nine months of free internet access.

The deal is targeted towards those who are locked into expensive contracts with their current Internet Service Provider (ISP), to help cut down on monthly expenditure - claiming consumers can save over £160 in the long run.

And while ISPs may charge a hefty fee upon cancelling a contract to keep consumers tied in, the penalty will be offset thanks to not having to pay a penny to use Hyperoptic's service for a reasonable timeframe.

Read more: Millions of BT, Virgin and Sky users affected by broadband shake up next week

The Express reports that BT charge £153 if a customer chooses to terminate their contract early, but with some clients coughing up £35 per month for their plan, there's still savings so be made even with the fee. Here's how the calculation works out when switching to Hyperoptic's free initiative.

A BT customer locked into a contract paying £35 per month will spend a total of £315 over nine months. However, if they make the switch, Hyperoptic will offer free broadband for that period. If you take the total bill and take away the penalty, there are savings of £162 to be had.

Those who refuse to pay big charges for leaving their contracts behind can also simply run the two contracts simultaneously, meaning they may get higher speeds without forking out extra. Unlike many other providers, Hyperoptic also promise not to put their prices up during the term of the new deal - meaning customers always know the price that they are paying.

Hyperoptic isn't available across the entire of the UK just yet - and although they're improving in terms of infrastructure, they're still a long way off competing with the likes of BT, Sky and Virgin who have most of Britain covered.

The firm is currently offering 150Mbps speeds for just £20 per month and there are even ultrafast Gig1 downloads for just £35.

Speaking about the new initiative, Hyperoptic CEO Dana Tobak said: “This is a ground-breaking move, unprecedented in the world of broadband, but people all across the UK need this support right now. We honestly believe that it’s the right of every household in the country to have fast, reliable, and affordable broadband.

“No-one should be held captive by a contract for an overpriced, underwhelming service. That’s why we’re offering Hyperoptic’s full fibre broadband free, helping people switch immediately to avoid massive price rises and make significant savings – typically as much as £160, but often a lot more.”

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