Getting wired

Members consult us when buying or installing home phone, internet and TV because:

• The home phone and internet market is complicated, with a minefield of different companies and offers.
• We know the broadband, phone, satellite and cable TV markets inside out.
• We know trusted technology experts who can help install home phone and internet systems and fix problems.

Our sourcing expert Zoe Springbett says: 'There are people out there who relish working out which wi-fi or television package to go for, what the latest product on the market is and how to have it installed – but for most, the task is unbearably time-consuming and frustrating. They want a hi-tech home, but don't want to listen to a call-waiting recording for hours or sit at home waiting for installers. So we do it for them.

'The job is marginally less frustrating for us because we understand the jargon and know the market. We also have experience of fixing the practical glitches that sometimes arise during installation – such as shelling out for a digi-box and then finding that your aerial isn't powerful enough. We deal with very specific and unusual requests too. We installed infra-red controls in one member's home entertainment system (so they didn't have to point the remote at the TV) and set up special security packages for members with young children.

'Sometimes members know exactly what they want and ask us to find the best deal. Often they only have a budget and a vague idea of what they want. We research the options and draw up a list of possibilities, asking the right questions to work out members' specific needs. We know what to look for, from downloading capabilities to international phone tariffs.

'We have a bank of technology experts who can deal with a host of internet, phone and TV problems, from a dodgy wi-fi connection to unreliable TV reception. When one of our members moved house we moved his business provider broadband contract and internet system to his new address – he didn't have to do a thing.'

Insider tips:

• Phone and internet contracts are generally not easy to break. Make sure you read the full contract and small print before signing.
• Most people only use a small proportion of their home broadband capacity. We can help members work out how much they actually need.
• It's generally a good idea to use the same company for the phone and internet (and if possible satellite or cable TV). If there are any problems this means it's only necessary to contact one company. It also makes it easier to upgrade.
• Most expensive doesn't necessarily mean best. Be sure to find a deal that suits all your needs.