Broadband switching surged 30% in March compared with February as the government’s lockdown rules came into force.

Data from comparethemarket.com revealed it has seen increased demand for products with faster speeds since the restrictions began.

Broadband deals offering a fast 51+MB download speed made up less than half of all switches at the beginning of March.

But by the end of the month, customers opting for these faster deals made up almost two thirds of switches via the site.

Further, sales of the very fast 61+MB rocketed 95% in March, it reported.

The data comes as four in ten consumers say they have experienced issues with their broadband during the lockdown which is impacting being able to work from home effectively.

‘Essential utility’

Holly Niblett, head of digital at comparethemarket.com, said: “We have seen a surge in demand for faster broadband packages since the lockdown began. Broadband is increasingly being recognised by the government as an essential utility, yet many people adjusting to the new ways of working are realising that their existing connection isn’t up to scratch. Millions of households are stuck on out-of-contract deals with their existing provider which are often expensive and uncompetitive.

“The reality of a patchy connection speed, combined with a growing awareness that cheap, reliable and fast broadband is no longer a pipedream, is motivating growing numbers to switch provider. Switching provider is straightforward and can generate savings over the course of a year that can easily run into hundreds of pounds.”

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