Wondering whether your phone bill will go up this year? We go through mid-contract price rises and what you can do if you’re tied to a contract.
Beat mid-contract price hikes: check your deal and stay on top of what you pay
If your broadband or mobile contract started before January 2025 there’s a good chance it still includes inflation-linked price rises, often written as “CPI + 3.9%”.
From 17 January 2025, Ofcom banned these percentage-based rises in new contracts. Now, providers must show any mid-contract price increases in pounds and pence upfront.
Here’s how to check whether you’re affected, what the rules mean, and how to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to.
Check when your contract started
Find your original confirmation email or bill. You’re looking for the contract start date (the day your minimum term began).
- If it began before 17 January 2025, it’s probably still tied to inflation-linked rises.
- If it started after, you’re protected by Ofcom’s new rules.
💡 MoneySuperMarket tip: Log in to your provider account. You’ll often see your “contract start date” and “minimum term end date” in the billing section.
Understand how CPI-linked rises work
Older contracts can include clauses like:
“Your monthly price will increase each April by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate published in January, plus 3.9%.”
So if CPI is 4%, your bill goes up 7.9% that April. These hikes apply automatically even if you’re mid-contract and not yet free to switch.
📌 Add your provider’s “price rise month” to your calendar so you’re ready to move when your term ends.
Plan your switch before the next rise
If you’re still under an old CPI-linked deal:
- Switch when your term ends: Move to a new deal covered by Ofcom’s fixed-price rules.
- Negotiate early: Call your provider and ask to transfer to a plan with a clearly stated price rise (in £, not %).
💡 MoneySuperMarket tip: Out-of-contract customers could save £150–£250 a year just by switching or re-negotiating.
Compare new broadband and mobile deals
Head to MoneySuperMarket’s comparison tools to find cheaper, more transparent options.
You can filter by:
- Contract length (12, 18, or 24 months)
- Speed or data limits
- Fixed-price or “no mid-contract rise” guarantees
- Extras like streaming bundles or shopping vouchers
🚩 Many new deals now include “price freeze” guarantees, meaning your bill won’t change for the full contract.
Check your exit rights
If your provider raises prices beyond what’s in your contract, you may have the right to cancel within 30 days of notification — with no exit fee.
Expert quote
“For years inflation-linked price rises have caught people off guard, with bills jumping by up to 8% in some cases, even in the middle of a contract. Ofcom’s new rules are a big win for transparency, giving consumers a clear picture of what they’ll pay before they sign up.
But if your deal started before January 2025 you could still face a CPI-linked price hike. Check your start date, know your rights, and don’t just roll over when your term ends. Switching to a fixed-price broadband or mobile plan could save you hundreds of pounds a year.”
Alan Cairns - Senior Content Editor
Summary: how to avoid CPI-linked hikes
Step | What to do | Why it matters |
1. Check start date | Pre-Jan 2025 = CPI + % clause likely | Determines your rights |
2. Understand terms | Look for “CPI + 3.9%” or “inflation-linked” | Shows if bills can rise annually |
3. Switch early | Move to a post-Jan 2025 plan | Avoids percentage-based hikes |
4. Compare deals | Use MoneySuperMarket filters for “fixed-price” plans | Could save £250+/year |
5. Know your rights | You can cancel if rises breach terms | Stops unfair price increases |
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my contract if prices go up?
Yes — if the increase isn’t set out in your contract, you can cancel penalty-free. Providers must give you 30 days’ notice before the change takes effect.
If your contract clearly states a CPI + % increase, you can’t usually leave early unless the provider makes an extra change that causes “material detriment”.
What counts as a new contract?
Any renewal, regrade, or plan change agreed after 17 January 2025 is treated as a new contract under Ofcom’s rules. So even if you stayed with the same provider, you’ll get the new protections.
Are all providers following the new rules?
Yes. Ofcom’s ban on inflation-linked percentage rises applies to all UK broadband and mobile providers from January 2025 onwards. However, older contracts signed before that date still legally include those clauses until they end or are renewed.
Can I switch mid-contract to a better deal?
You can switch without fees only if your provider breaches its terms (for example, raises prices unfairly). Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until your minimum term ends to avoid early termination charges.
However, some networks let you upgrade early or re-contract under new terms — ask your provider what’s possible.
