by Steve Tattersall, Broadband Technology Writer, last updated 03 January 2024

The finances of millions of Brits will take a further hit this Spring with price increases from major broadband suppliers like BT, Plusnet & EE which use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation, published in January 2024, plus an additional 3.9% - or in the case of TalkTalk, CPI plus 3.7%, effective from the 1st of April 2024. This guide takes a look at mid-contract/annual price rises covering the likes of broadband, phone line rental, call packages and TV, while suggesting 3 ways to potentially beat these price hikes.

Which Providers Are Increasing Their Prices?

It is not just BT, EE, Plusnet and TalkTalk who are increasing their prices in Spring 2024. Expect to see annual price increases from other major telecoms providers like Virgin Media, Vodafone, Three, O2 and Sky.

Why Is My Package Increasing In Price? I Thought It Was A Fixed Price!

Many providers now increase their prices each year to help fund the improvement of their products and services. However, many Brits believe at the point of ordering their package, they are signing up to a fixed monthly price for the life of their contract. Under Ofcom rules, broadband companies must set out annual price rise information in a clear and transparent way before a customer signs up to their service - rather than just in the small print. Furthermore, from June 2022, Ofcom introduced new rules that broadband customers should receive (from their chosen supplier) a summary of the main terms and conditions of their contract before they sign up for a broadband service. The summary should also include an example of how any inflation-linked annual price increase will affect how much they pay each month.

It's also worth noting that in December 2023, Ofcom proposed to go one step further and ban inflation-linked annual broadband price rises. The regulator has started industry consultations on new rules that would see broadband, phone and TV customers being told about any mid-contract price rises in pounds and pence at the point of sale. Following the consultation period, Ofcom is expected to make a decision on the proposals in Spring 2024, with the new rules then possibly coming into force around 4 months after this.

Here Is The GOOD NEWS!

1. If you are one of the millions of customers who are out of contract with your broadband, you don't have to accept the price increase from your broadband supplier. Instead, use this opportunity to shop around and get yourself a better deal. Use our handy broadband comparison tool to get started.

2. If your broadband contract does not include mention of a price rise and your supplier then increases their prices, under Ofcom rules, you are free to exit the contract and switch to a new provider. Your current supplier should give you 30 days notice of any upcoming price increase.

3. If your contract does specify a price rise but you do not think the details were made clear enough when you signed up, you are entitled to complain to your supplier and to Ofcom.

3 Ways To Beat The Broadband Price Increases

For those out of contract customers and those potentially able to exit their contract without penalty within 30 days of a price rise notice, here are 3 ways you can beat the broadband price rises:

1. Switch Broadband Provider

Many Brits should use this as an opportunity to find a better deal with a new provider and make some savings along the way! To do this, follow the steps below.

Step 1 - Enter your postcode into our BBC recognised, broadband comparison tool to search and compare broadband packages in your area.

Step 2 - Select the deal that best suits your needs and click through to the provider website to order online.

If you are switching from or to the likes of TalkTalk, Plusnet, BT or Sky, the company you are switching to will handle the entire switch for you. Please see our guide to switching broadband provider for more information.

2. Haggle With Your Existing Provider

Though it is getting harder to secure a better deal with an existing provider, it may be worth using this opportunity to haggle with your provider. They will have a raft of retention deals to call upon, but be prepared to stand firm and haggle hard.

3. Downgrade Your Existing Package

The questions to consider here are for example, do you need an anytime calls plan with your broadband package when you have unused minutes left on your mobile phone tariff each month?

Or, do you make use of all the TV channels within your subscribed digital TV package or would you be better off removing the TV package and paying as you go for the likes of Sky Sports and Sky Cinema with NOW?

What Next?

If you're considering switching to a new provider, please use our broadband comparison tool to search and compare broadband packages in your postcode area.

About The Author, Steve Tattersall

Steve Tattersall is a broadband technology writer with 20 years experience within the Internet industry. Based in Hampshire, England, he founded the BBC recognised broadband information site, BroadbandInternetUk.com, in 2004 and is currently the Director Of Marketing & Operations. During this time he has helped thousands of people across the UK with their Internet requirements by compiling a comprehensive range of broadband information, comparison tools and guides, all delivered on BroadbandInternetUk.com. A graduate of Buckinghamshire New University (Brunel Business School) with a first class honours degree in Business, Steve has first hand experience of working for a broadband provider, having had a previous career at the broadband supplier NTL. Following its merger with rival Telewest, NTL is now known as Virgin Media, one of the UK's leading broadband, phone & TV providers. If you would like to contact Steve, please visit the contact us page or follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn and Quora. You can also find out more about BroadbandInternetUk.com on our about us page.

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