Phone, broadband and pay-TV contracts often include terms that mean the main monthly price could increase during the contract period, usually once a year in March or April. In recent years, many providers linked these in-contract price rises to inflation, but Ofcom has banned this approach for all new contracts. This gives you more certainty about what you will have to pay.
Price rises in your contract – what you need to know
Since January 2025, providers have been banned from offering new contracts that include price rises linked to inflation or that are set out in percentages. Instead, companies that include specified price rises in their contracts must set these out clearly, in pounds and pence, before you sign up.
This information must be prominently and transparently displayed before you sign up. Your provider must also set out when any changes to your monthly price will take place. If you don’t think your provider did this, you should complain to them.
Contracts signed before 17 January 2025 might still include price rises that are linked to inflation or which are set out in percentage terms.
If your contract doesn’t say how much the price will rise
If your contract doesn’t set out how much the price can rise, and your provider puts the price up – or if your provider raises the price by more than the increase set out in your contract, they must:
- tell you at least 30 days before the increase takes effect; and
- from this point give you 30 days to exit your contract if you wish.
If you decide to exit the contract, you can either choose a new contract with the same provider, or switch to a new provider without paying any exit fees.
When your contract ends, shop around to save money
If your contract has ended, you can usually get a better deal by signing up to a new contract or switching provider. Providers often increase the main monthly price when your contract ends, so check your contract status and look out for notifications about this.
If you’re thinking of changing provider, check out our guides on switching, and price comparison sites.
More ways to save money
We’ve put together some tips to cut your telecoms costs. In particular, you might be able to save money by switching to a social tariff if you are claiming certain benefits, including Universal Credit or Pension Credit. If your provider offers a social tariff and you are eligible, you should be able to switch to this without having to pay a penalty, even if you are in contract.
Rules for small business customers or not-for-profits
Different rules apply if you’re buying services for a small business or a not-for-profit organisation.
Your provider must set out clearly, before you sign up, the main monthly price you will pay in pounds and pence. However, providers have more flexibility under our rules to offer you terms that best meet your needs. This means contacts can include terms covering different types of price increases. We have more information on telecoms contracts for small businesses.