Inflation data that’s used to determine mid-contract price rises across mobile, broadband and pay TV services this spring confirms another big leap for customers.
- Office for National Statistics announces Consumer Prices Index inflation figure for December.
- Some providers will now increase prices by up to 7.9 %
- But BT & EE has already set it will change how it calculates prices rises from next year, with other providers set to follow.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has this morning confirmed the inflation figure used by most telecoms providers to calculate price rises. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure covering December is 4%. This is higher than some analysts were expecting, and reverses the decline seen the month earlier.
Most providers add 3.9% to the figure (see below) to calculate the total price rise.
Industry regulator Ofcom is currently reviewing such mid-contract price rises, and is set to introduce rule changes.
Getting ahead of the regulator, BT and its subsidiary EE announced that customers would no longer be subject to a CPI-linked rise from next year. The company has promised that customers will clearly see in pounds and pence how much their contract will increase in price from 2025. In the meantime, customers face another major CPI-linked rise this spring:
▶ 2024 price mid-contract price rises
This is how much standard pricing for existing customers is set to increase in 2024, based on their contractual price rise clause:
BT, EE, Plusnet, Three, Vodafone
December’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) price rise as announced in January, plus an extra 3.9%.
Contracts that include inflationary rises will see prices rise this spring – 31st March for BT/EE. 1st April for Vodafone mobile and broadband contracts.
| CPI | EXTRA CHARGE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|
| 4% | +3.9 % | 7.9% increase |
TalkTalk
December’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) price rise as announced in January, plus an extra 3.7%. Most customers will pay more from 1st April.
| CPI | EXTRA CHARGE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|
| 4% | +3.7 % | 7.7% increase |
Virgin Media O2
Price rises are based on the inflation figures published in February. So you’ll need to wait another month to find out by how much their prices will rise.
Unlike other providers, Virgin Media O2 uses the Retail Price Index (RPI) to calculate its price rises. This is a different way of calculating inflation, which is normally always higher.
Virgin Media O2 has in the past year made changes to its contracts, imposing RPI-linked mid-contract price rises on broadband and TV customers. Previously, only the mobile side of the business implemented RPI-linked rises.
| RPI | EXTRA CHARGE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|
| to be announced in February | +3.9 % | to be announced in February |
Sky
Sky’s price rises aren’t directly linked to inflation.
- They’ve already increased prices for some mobile customers this year.
- The company will soon confirm price rises taking place this spring.
Don’t forget the add-ons!
The price rise is generally applied to the standard price of your mobile, broadband or TV contract.
But most providers offer a range of add-ons, such as international calling, extra TV channels or streaming services. If you subscribe to an add-on, you should receive a personalised email from your provider confirming how any additional price changes will affect you.
Retentions/special offers and discounts/legacy contracts
You may still be on a tariff that’s no longer available to new customers. Or you may be on a special introductory or retention tariff. Consumers on pay as you go, prepay SIM only or social contracts may be exempt from some prise rises.
As a result, different terms may apply to you. You should receive a personalised email from your provider giving notice of any changes applicable to you.
Marc Thornham