Broadband price rises: your rights under Ofcom's rules

Mid-contract price rises in new UK broadband contracts must now be shown in pounds and pence. Here is what that means, and how to avoid overpaying.

For years, many broadband contracts said your price would rise each April by “inflation plus 3.9%” or similar. Few people knew what that would add up to. Ofcom has now banned that kind of term in new contracts.

The pounds-and-pence rule

Since 17 January 2025, phone, broadband and pay TV providers cannot put inflation-linked or percentage-based price rises into new contracts. Any planned rise must be shown in pounds and pence, clearly, before you sign.

Ofcom’s example of what this should look like:

Monthly price: £30.00 until 31 March 2025. Increasing to: £31.50 on 1 April 2025.

So when you compare deals, look for the price after the rise, not just the headline price.

Does it apply to my contract?

• Signed on or after 17 January 2025: yes. Your rises should be fixed amounts you were told about at sign-up.
• Signed before then: the old terms in your contract may still apply until it ends. When you re-contract or switch, the new rules apply.

Can I leave if the price goes up?

If a price rise was clearly set out in your contract when you signed, it is not usually a reason to leave without paying exit fees. That is the point of the new rules: you knew in advance.

If your provider makes a change that was not in your contract and is not to your benefit, you may have the right to leave without penalty. Check the notice your provider sends. If in doubt, ask them in writing.

The bigger cost: staying out of contract

Price rises during a contract are usually smaller than the jump when a contract ends. Out-of-contract prices are often well above what new customers pay.

Ofcom rules help here:

• Your provider must tell you your contract is ending between 10 and 40 days before it does.
• That message must show your current price, what you will pay after the end date, and the provider’s best deals for you.
• If you stay out of contract, they must remind you once a year of their best deals.

The catch is that they only have to tell you about their own deals, not what other providers would charge.

What to do

1. Find your contract end date. It is in your account online or on your bill.
2. Put a reminder in your calendar for a month before.
3. Get a comparison quote for your postcode, so you know what the market rate is.
4. Ask your provider to match it, or switch using One Touch Switch.

If money is tight and you receive Universal Credit or certain other benefits, check social tariffs first. They are often the cheapest option by far.