Yahoo Finance How much the major broadband providers are increasing their prices by
Broadband and mobile phone customers can yet again expect to see inflation-based prices rises this April to the tune of 7.9%.
BT, Vodafone, Virgin Media O2 and TalkTalk all use a version of the mechanism, which usually takes the consumer prices index (CPI) measure of inflation – currently at 4% – plus about 3.9%.
However, Virgin Media O2 uses the higher figure of retail price inflation (RPI) taken from the rate published for January.
There have been calls to scrap the controversial above-inflation price rises, particularly amid a cost of living crisis but most operators have stuck to their mid-contract price increases for customers.
Which?'s figures suggested some customers could be paying up to £35 more for their broadband over the next year and up to £27 more for a Sim-only phone contract, after prices rise in April.
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The alternative – paying a fee to exit the contract early – was often much more costly, as much as £339 for some Vodafone customers, Which? said.
How are BT prices changing?
BT is increasing its monthly prices for almost all customers by 7.9% at the end of March 2024.
However, it highlighted that from 'early summer 2024', it will implement a new pricing model while steering away from inflation-based hikes.
How are EE prices changing?
As a subsidiary of BT, EE is also increasing prices by 79% in April.
How are Sky prices changing?
Sky has confirmed broadband and TV bills will be increasing by roughly 6.7% for customers nationwide from April 1, 2024. That means if you pay £50 a month for your broadband and Sky TV, you’ll need to find an extra £40 a year to keep enjoying that same package.
Rocio Concha, Which? director of Policy and Advocacy, said: "It's very disappointing to see Sky raising prices for customers in this unpredictable way. Consumers deserve pricing certainty rather than being blindsided with more above inflation hikes.
"Unlike people trapped by their contract when prices rise, Sky customers can take action. Customers should send a message to Sky by voting with their feet and taking advantage of their right to exit within 30 days. Our recent research found, on average, Sky TV and broadband customers could save £152 by switching.
"Ofcom's current proposals to ban inflation-linked price rises don't extend to the 'prices may vary' terms that Sky is using for these ad-hoc hikes. The regulator should commit to closing this loophole and banning all forms of unpredictable price rises to protect millions of people."
How are Vodafone prices changing?
Vodafone confirmed it will increase prices by the December CPI rate plus 3.9%. It said on average, customers will see a rise of £1.50.
This affects almost all of its 1.1 million customers
How are Three prices changing?
Three confirmed that mobile customers will see an average rise of "less than £1.75 a month" as it applies a 7.9% rise. The changes will be applied in April.
How are Virgin Media and O2 prices changing?
Virgin Media O2 customers will need to wait a little longer to find out. The company sets its prices based on the RPI figures announced in February.
Can I leave my contract if I don’t agree with the increase?
Unfortunately, no. if you’re within the minimum term of your contract you’re unlikely to be able to avoid these price increases. This is because they're included in the T&Cs.
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If you cancel your contract, you are liable for an exit fee that will cost you hundreds of pounds, from £200 to £300.
However, if you are out of contract you don’t have to accept any price increase. You are free to leave your current provider and shop around for a better deal.
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