BT Group faced criticism for implementing new set-up charges ranging up to £30 starting today. The telecommunications company now requires a one-time fee of £30 for new BT and EE broadband customers, and £20 for individuals signing up with Plusnet.

Uswitch condemned this decision as a “poorly judged step,” noting that upfront set-up fees had nearly vanished from broadband-only deals over the last decade. Customers opting for BT, EE, or Plusnet broadband are obligated to commit to 24-month contracts. This change follows a wave of price hikes affecting most major broadband and mobile providers in April.

Ernest Doku, a broadband expert at Uswitch, expressed concerns, stating, “In a period where the focus remains on the cost of living, there should not be a barrier to saving on broadband expenses.” He further added, “Moreover, new customers have no option to avoid this additional charge. If the rationale is rising equipment costs, those with functional routers should be able to use their own and circumvent the fee.”

BT Group has been reached out to for comment. If you are not under contract, it’s likely you are overpaying for your mobile and broadband services. Before exploring other options, assess your current usage levels for minutes, texts, and broadband speed to avoid paying for unnecessary allowances. Once you determine your desired package, leverage comparison websites to identify the most cost-effective deals available.

After conducting online price comparisons, consider switching to a different provider if a better offer is found, or negotiate with your current provider for a lower rate. Politeness is key during negotiations for improved deals. If your provider cannot match a better price, contemplate switching companies. When switching, explore cashback opportunities on websites to potentially gain incentives for new broadband or mobile contracts.