Virgin Media tried to hike my £33 a month bill to £73 but I haggled and I’m now paying LESS than before

A VIRGIN Media customer has revealed how they managed to slash their monthly bill to LESS than what they were paying before.

Virgin Media was set to more than double Adeana Manger's TV, broadband, and phone bundle, but she haggled the bill to a cheaper price than she had in the first place.

The 35-year-old document controller told The Sun: "I'd been on an offer paying £33 a month which finished on February 14, and Virgin tried to put it up to £73!

"When I got the email with the updated price I made a note of when the new billing period started and phoned up.

"I explained that £73 was too expensive and I'd have to leave unless they matched what I was previously paying.

"I was planning on cancelling as that's the best way to get a good price - but they were happy to come down, and I'm now paying £32 a month."

It means Adeana came away only £1 a month better off than before - but she's over £40 a month better off than she would have been if she'd accepted the hike.

It also means she's saved £492 a year haggling down the proposed costs.

She also shared her haggling win on Facebook page .

Plenty of other customers will be in Adeana's shoes after the telecoms company announced last month that it will hike prices for millions from March 1.

In just a week's time, Virgin Media broadband, TV, and phone customers are set to pay on average £56 a year more for their tariffs.

But anyone affected should always have a shop around for cheaper prices.

If your contract is close to its end it's worth arming yourself with options to switch to, especially if they'll save you money on similar services that you were already forking out for.

"I always try to budget my money," Adeana told The Sun. "Especially now that prices are rising - I need to make my money go further."

Adeana said that haggling has also helped her to slash her broadband costs and more.

She said: "Always keep an eye on when TV and broadband packages are coming to an end, then you can ring up for a better deal."

How to haggle your broadband and more

If you're not happy with what you're paying, or your bills are due to rise in the next few months, you can always raise the issue with your supplier and see if they'll come down to what you are willing to pay.

The worst thing they can do is say no, so it can always be worth a shot.

On the other-hand the company might be more than happy to accept your wishes and they'll bring down your bill, just like Adeana's.

Ernest Doku, broadband expert at , said: “Take the opportunity to check how much you are paying your existing provider, what they are offering you as a new deal, and also what other options are out there.

“If you are nearing the end of your broadband or TV contract, the power is very much in your hands.

“Providers will be keen to hang on to your custom so there is often wiggle room if you don’t want to accept their proposed offer. They also have more to lose if you receive more than one service from them on a bundle deal.

“There’s no harm in letting your current provider know about the better deals you’ve found elsewhere.

"If they can’t beat the offers, then switching may be your best option - but make sure the new potential provider also meets your speed and reliability needs.

“If you’re struggling to pay your broadband bills, speak with your provider. They may be able to offer you a social tariff, should you meet the criteria.” 

Keep in mind penalties or exit fees when you're looking to switch though.

Often you can be charged for leaving early, which is why it's always best to leave the drastic move until you're nearing the end of a contract.

Virgin Media customers unhappy about the bill rise were given the right to cancel mid-contract without a fee though, as they had 30 days of being notified about the change.