Broadband costs have not escaped the pressures of the rising cost of living crisis, and to address the unpredictability of inflation-linked price hikes, Ofcom amended regulations surrounding mid-contract home broadband price increases last year. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean your bills won’t continue to climb.

Indeed, most of the major providers, including Sky, BT, Virgin, Plusnet and others, are preparing to raise their prices either on the final day of March or the opening day of April. However, one expert insisted customers needn’t simply accept them.

Catherine Hiley, managing editor of broadband and utilities at Go Compare, said: “Last year, Ofcom banned broadband providers from inflation-linked percentage hikes, but providers are now using fixed, upfront ‘pounds and pence’ increases which you agree to when you sign up. This means that although customers will still see price increases in March and April each year, they will know exactly how much they are expected to pay additionally, instead of more arbitrary, percentage-based cost spikes to their bill.

“BT, Plusnet and EE will see price hikes coming from March 31, 2026, while Virgin, Hyperoptic, Vodafone, Three, Sky and TalkTalk take effect on April 1, 2026. Price changes vary between providers but range from £3 to £4 (per month).”

She encouraged people to verify details with their provider to grasp price variations, as these can differ slightly depending on when you commenced your contract.

Ways to avoid unwanted broadband price increases

If you’re out of contract, you can simply leave

Catherine said: “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.”

Ring up your provider and negotiate

She said: “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.”

Re-contract to secure a better rate

Catherine explained: “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.”

Verify if you’re eligible for a social tariff

Catherine said: “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.”

Consider smaller providers with fixed pricing

She said: “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.”

Remember that switching is far easier than it used to be

Catherine added: “There are a number of people who stay with their provider because they can’t be bothered with 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, customers only have to contact their new provider who handles the whole process, including cancelling with your old provider 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.”

Catherine Hiley serves as managing editor for broadband, energy and mobile at Go Compare. Over the past decade, Catherine has been employed by price comparison websites, assisting customers in reducing their expenditure.

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