Dear LPG,

I have always been told that access to the internet is free because, like commercial television, the adverts that are thrown at us while we watch our favoured programs or continue to click their popups off the computer screen, pay for our viewing, but I think that all consumers pay quite dearly for both services.0

When we think of the cost of having the internet (broadband) streamed and how much it costs to have a gigabyte or two of data on your mobile phone each month, the amount of money we spend is quite alarming.  Even if you don’t pay more for one of the extra television services the government have taken away the lifeline of comfort that the television offers to many people, often disabled or pensioners, who live on their own and really appreciate the way that it helps to pass a long and lonely winter night.  I know for some of my friends in that situation it will have serious financial impact and, though the rest of us will have a bit of a moan, we will just pay.

When we pay for gas and electricity we pay for what we use and, even though many people now pay the same amount by direct debit each month, they expect to get any extra money back from the companies they are paying and that seems to work. 

Unless you are a mobile phone pay-as-you-go customer, when it comes to the internet and phone bills it seems that we are also more than likely to be paying the same amount each month, the only difference being that, at the end of each month we get nothing back no matter how much or little we use the phone or broadband, even though most bills have information about how much you have actually used.  That works well for some people but we older ones who don’t play internet games and watch internet boxed sets may not be getting the best deal.

I think that it is worth telephoning your telephone service providers and just asking the question, ‘Am I getting the best deal?’  Get them to look at just how much you pay, how much of the service you actually use, and if the tariff can be improved upon.  If you find it a bit of a minefield make the call when one of those younger family members are around especially if you have a ‘rolling’ contract.   We often pay for a lot more than we use…   

SW, Beckenham

LPG thought that some readers may benefit from learning a little more about what a rolling contract is…

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