Telecom companies will raise prices for millions of broadband and mobile customers by up to 14.4% starting this spring. These increases are allowed under current rules, which permit companies to raise prices in line with inflation, plus an additional 4%. The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation for December or Retail Price Index (RPI) for January are used to determine these price hikes. Some companies will raise bills by 10.5% (CPI inflation for December) plus an additional 3.9%, resulting in bills increasing by up to 14.4%. If you are out of contract and unhappy with the price increases, there are ways to lower your bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a summary of the major providers and the confirmed increases in their bills, along with the effective date:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n BT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n BT announced that prices for the majority of its broadband and fixed-line customers will increase by 14.4% (CPI up 3.9%) from March 31, 2023. This increase applies to all mobile and TV customers from the same date. The telecom company said it was freezing prices on certain packages – including its BT Home Essentials, BT Basic and Home Phone Saver offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are a subscriber of EE broadband, whether it be fixed or mobile, your bill will increase by 14.4% (3.9% on top of Consumer Prices Index) effective March 31, 2023. This is due to EE being owned by BT Group. Customers using EE Mobile Basics or pay-as-you-go plans will not be affected by this increase as their prices will be frozen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plusnet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plusnet is owned by BT Group – so prices for broadband, fixed and mobile subscribers are set to rise by 14.4% effective from March 31, 2023. If you signed up before October 7, 2020 and are broadband and landline subscribers then the 14.4% increase applies to call costs only. But when your contract expires, the increase will be applied to your entire bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n