Revealed: The one household bill that costs less than it did 10 years ago

The cost of almost everything has soared over the past decade, from household essentials and energy bills to Netflix subscriptions, train tickets and the humble Freddo.

However, new research has uncovered one surprising exception. It is a service most homes use every day, and customers now receive a far better product while paying less than they would have done in 2016.

Analysis by broadband comparison website Broadband Genie found that broadband is the only utility bill in its study to have fallen over the past 10 years.

The finding stands out against some hefty increases elsewhere. Gas and electricity are now 82% more expensive, average water bills have risen by 69% and Band D council tax has increased by 56%.

Even relatively small purchases have become noticeably more expensive. A pint of beer costs 39% more than it did a decade ago, while bread has risen by 40%, milk by 52% and the price of a Big Mac by 80%.

The biggest increase in Broadband Genie’s virtual basket of common goods and services was a first-class stamp, which has rocketed by 181%. A standard Netflix subscription has climbed by 86%, package holidays are up by 60% and rail fares have increased by 41%.

Broadband has moved in the opposite direction. The cheapest available broadband deals now cost around 10% less than they did 10 years ago, according to the analysis, while ultrafast packages have become considerably more affordable.

That is not the only reason today’s customers are getting more for their money. Budget broadband packages in 2016 commonly relied on copper telephone lines and offered average download speeds of about 14Mbps.

Since then, full-fibre and other infrastructure upgrades have brought much faster connections to millions of homes. Broadband packages offering average speeds above 100Mbps are also far easier to find.

An ultrafast broadband deal cost an average of £39.65 per month a decade ago, compared with £26.30 today. That works out at around a third less, despite customers receiving a much faster service.

Yet there is a catch. Millions of households are not benefiting from the lower prices because they have allowed their original contract to expire.

Ofcom figures cited by Broadband Genie suggest 8.8 million broadband customers are currently out of contract. These households may be paying a provider’s higher standard rate when cheaper introductory broadband packages are available elsewhere.

Broadband Genie calculates that the average bill payer could save £183.60 by switching, making it worth checking the date on your contract and comparing the monthly price with current offers.

Switching broadband provider is generally simpler than it once was, and in many cases the new company will manage the transfer. However, customers should check the total contract cost, any annual price rises, installation charges and whether their existing provider applies an early termination fee before committing.

Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie, said: “In a decade where everything else has skyrocketed, broadband is the single household expense where you can pay less today than you did ten years ago, without sacrificing speed or service.

“Think about it: the water or gas coming into your home is identical to what was in your pipes in 2016. But broadband has completely transformed. Speeds are faster, switching is easier, and consumer protections are stronger.

“Yet millions of households are essentially throwing money away on out-of-contract rates. Your provider isn't going to lower your bill out of goodwill, you have to take action.

“Switching takes minutes, your new provider handles the setup, and you pocket the savings immediately.”

To see how much you could save, click here.