Last updated: 9 May 2026 | Reviewed against official UK guidance where available | Budgeting and Money Tips
Ofcom says new and renewed telecoms contracts from 17 January 2025 cannot use inflation-linked or percentage-based in-contract price-rise terms. Any planned rise must be shown clearly in pounds and pence before you sign. Older contracts may still have different terms, so check your provider notice and contract before cancelling or switching.
Table of Contents
- Which Broadband Providers Are Raising Prices in April 2026
- Your Rights When Broadband Prices Rise Mid-Contract
- Best Switching Deals to Beat Price Increases
- How to Negotiate a Better Deal with Your Current Provider
- Mobile Phone Price Rises: What’s Changing
- Long-Term Strategies to Lock in Lower Broadband Costs
Broadband and mobile prices can rise during a contract, but the rules now depend heavily on when you signed or renewed and what your contract says. Ofcom’s rules from 17 January 2025 require new and renewed contracts to show any in-contract price rise upfront in pounds and pence.
Do not assume every price rise gives an automatic right to leave without charge. Check your contract, the provider’s notice and Ofcom’s guidance before acting.
Related data: every major UK household bill going up in 2026/27.
Which Broadband Providers Are Raising Broadband Prices April 2026
Provider prices change often and depend on the package, contract date and whether you are in contract or out of contract. Treat provider-specific rise tables as a snapshot only.
Ofcom’s consumer guidance says new and renewed contracts from 17 January 2025 must set out in-contract price rises in pounds and pence, and must say when the changes will happen. Contracts signed before that date may still include older terms.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Date you signed or renewed | It affects whether the newer Ofcom pounds-and-pence rule applies. |
| Exact price-rise clause | Your right to leave depends on the terms you agreed and any later change. |
| Provider notice | This should explain what is changing and when. |
| Social tariffs or cheaper packages | Eligible households may be able to reduce costs without relying on a promotional deal. |
Your Rights When Broadband Prices Rise Mid-Contract
Ofcom says that if a contract does not specify how much a price rise will be, or a provider raises prices by more than the contract allows, the provider should give notice and customers may be able to leave without penalty.
For new and renewed contracts from 17 January 2025, providers cannot use inflation-linked or percentage-based price-rise terms for the core subscription price. The rise must be shown clearly in pounds and pence before you sign.
Before cancelling
- Read the provider notice and your original contract.
- Check whether the increase was already set out in pounds and pence.
- Ask the provider to confirm any exit fee in writing.
- Compare replacement deals before ending a service you rely on.
How to Compare Switching Deals Safely
Live broadband and mobile deals change frequently. Instead of relying on a static best-buy list, compare the full contract cost and the terms that apply after any introductory period.
Switching checks
- Monthly price now and after any introductory offer.
- Any in-contract price rise in pounds and pence.
- Contract length, setup fees, router fees and postage.
- Minimum guaranteed speed, coverage and service availability at your address.
- Exit fees from your current provider.
If you receive certain benefits, check Ofcom’s social tariff information before taking a standard commercial package.
How to Negotiate a Better Deal with Your Current Provider
You can ask your provider whether a lower-cost package, retention offer or social tariff is available. Any offer should be checked against the full contract cost and future price-rise terms.
Ask the provider to confirm the monthly price, contract length, speed, future increases, exit fees and any equipment costs before agreeing.
Mobile Phone Price Rises: What’s Changing
Mobile contracts can also include in-contract price rises. The same Ofcom rules apply to new and renewed contracts from 17 January 2025: any planned rise must be clear in pounds and pence, not linked to unknown future inflation or a percentage.
Before switching, check handset repayments, coverage where you live and work, roaming charges, data limits, Wi-Fi calling and whether your current number can transfer smoothly.
Long-Term Strategies to Lock in Lower Broadband Costs
Lower bills usually come from reviewing contracts regularly, avoiding out-of-contract pricing and checking whether a cheaper package still meets your needs.
Switching can reduce costs for some households, but savings are not guaranteed. Check service availability, total contract cost, installation timing, future price rises and any exit fees before moving provider.
Example scenario
A household receiving a price-rise notice should compare its current contract with at least two current alternatives, ask the current provider for a lower-cost option, and check whether social tariffs apply. The right choice depends on the contract terms, address coverage and household needs.
- Ofcom: Telecoms price rises – what are your rights?
- Ofcom: Pounds-and-pence price-rise rules
- Ofcom: Social tariffs
Rules, rates and provider terms may change. Check official sources before making financial decisions.
This content is based on publicly available UK financial guidance and trusted sources such as GOV.UK, HMRC, FCA, and MoneyHelper. It is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Rules and rates may change, so check official sources before making decisions.
Before you act: household bills checks
Use this section as a final check before applying, claiming, switching, transferring money or relying on a figure. Rules, rates and provider terms can change, so verify the current position with the linked official sources.
| Decision point | What to check | Source to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Official rate or cap | Check the current cap, tariff, council decision or provider notice rather than relying on an average. | Ofcom: phone and broadband price rises Regulator or council |
| Your own usage | Use your bill, meter readings, contract dates and payment method to estimate the real impact. | Ofcom: social tariffs Provider account |
| Support options | Check social tariffs, hardship support, grants, discounts and complaint routes before arrears build. | Ofcom: switch broadband or mobile provider Regulator / provider |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my broadband going up in April 2026?
Check your provider notice and contract. The amount depends on your provider, package, contract date and whether the rise was clearly agreed when you signed or renewed.
Can I leave my broadband contract if the price goes up?
Sometimes, but not always. Ofcom says you may be able to leave without penalty if the rise was not specified in your contract, is more than the contract allowed, or is otherwise a change not to your benefit. Ask the provider to confirm any exit fee in writing.
What changed under Ofcom’s price-rise rules?
From 17 January 2025, new and renewed phone, broadband and pay-TV contracts cannot use inflation-linked or percentage-based price-rise terms for the core subscription price. Any planned rise must be shown clearly in pounds and pence.
How do I compare a new broadband or mobile deal?
Compare the full contract cost, future price rises, speed or coverage, setup fees, equipment charges, contract length and exit fees. Do not rely only on the first-month price.
