Millions of people across the UK are facing broadband price rises in the next few weeks. Several internet providers including BT, Sky and Virgin Media will increase costs for existing subscribers as of either March 31 or April 1, with some monthly bills set to go up by as much as £4.

Newly enforced Ofcom rules means broadband providers must state by how much customer costs will increase in clear pounds and pence at the point the contract between parties is signed. But this increased transparency means price rises are no longer tied to inflation, so customers on the cheapest contracts will have the same exact price rise as those on the most expensive tariffs.

As of March 31, BT is set to increase broadband prices by £4 per month for existing customers who signed up after April 10, 2024. Virgin Media will up bills by the same amount for contracts after October 2, 2025, while Sky customers will see a £3 increase.

Customers of BT-owned Plusnet and EE have not escaped either, with the majority of contracted customers across many of the UK’s major broadband providers facing higher bills come the start of April.

The good news is that these price rises are sometimes avoidable, if you know how to dodge them. In fact, according to price comparison site Go Compare, there are six quick checks you can make to help you cut some of your costs or even avoid your impending broadband bill hike entirely.

Here, Catherine Hiley, Managing Editor of Broadband and Utilities at Go Compare explains here how you can attempt to swerve the hikes:

1. If you’re out of contract, remember you can just leave.

“Whether your contract is for 12, 18 or 24 months, you are not locked in once the minimum term is up. You can walk away at any time without paying a penny in exit fees. And if you’re on a monthly rolling contract, you can give 30 days’ notice and leave when you like.”

2. Call up your provider and haggle

“I know it feels awkward, but haggling works more often than you’d think. Ring your provider directly and ask what loyalty deals they can offer you. Before you call, spend five minutes on a comparison site so you know what’s out there. That way, you’re negotiating from a position of knowledge and have more bargaining chips.”

3. Re-contract to lock in a better rate

“If you’re happy staying with your current contract but not happy about paying more, ask about re-contracting. Signing a new deal before the price rise kicks in could save you money, and you’ll often get a better rate than existing out-of-contract customers are put on automatically.”

4. Check if you’re eligible for a social tariff

“This is one of the best-kept secrets in broadband. If you’re on Universal Credit or certain other government benefits, you could qualify for a social tariff. It doesn’t come with annual price rises built in so it’s definitely worth a quick check before you do anything else.”

5. Look at smaller providers with fixed pricing

“The big providers aren’t the only option. Some of the smaller full-fibre providers offer fixed pricing for your entire contract term, meaning no nasty surprises mid-way through. Availability varies depending on where you live, but it’s definitely worth checking what’s accessible in your area.”

6. Remember that switching is far easier than it used to be

“You might be tempted to stay with your provider to avoid the hassle of switching, but in reality the process is much easier than it used to be. Since Ofcom brought in One Touch Switching in 2024, your new provider will handle the whole switching process, including cancelling your old contract and coordinating the changeover. You shouldn’t be left without a connection or stuck paying two bills at once. The friction that used to put people off switching just isn’t there anymore.”