Broadband Choices launches broadband calculator

Broadband Choices has developed a broadband bundles calculator (broadband with home phone, digital TV and/or mobile phone).

With more people opting for a complete package of services from one provider because of the deals on offer, Broadband Choices said one of the problems for consumers is ascertaining the true cost.

It said many major providers of bundled packages advertising impressive headline prices, but these often exclude costs such as line rental and call charges.

The broadband price comparison site said the calculator allows people to compare the first year cost of a broadband bundle including the line rental and call plan charges.

Michael Phillips, product director, Broadband Choices said: “More and more consumers are switching from separate suppliers to a bundled solution to take advantage of cost savings and the convenience of having one bill to pay.

"Our own research suggests that around 70% of broadband users have now bundled up with at least one other service such as home phone or digital TV.

“However, our recent comparison calculator testing highlighted that users often were not taking additional cost elements into account, such as line rental and call charges.

"These can considerably bump up the total monthly cost of bundled services and users told us they wanted a way to include these in their decision-making process.

“Our newly launched bundles calculator allows consumers to see all the key costs they will have to pay in an intuitive and transparent way, giving them everything they need to make an informed decision.”