Broadband and telecom customers in the UK have faced years of unpredictable bill increases hidden in the small print. The most common culprit? Mid-contract price rises tied to inflation—phrased as “CPI + 3.9%” or “RPI + 3.9%”—which allowed providers to raise monthly charges without re-negotiation.
That changed in January 2025. Ofcom’s new rules ban inflation-linked or percentage-based mid-term rises in new contracts. Any increase must now be stated in pounds and pence, with a fixed date. This is a step forward for transparency, but avoiding mid-contract hikes altogether still takes planning.
This guide explains exactly how the rules work, how providers have responded, and—most importantly—how you can sidestep mid-contract price rises in 2025 without losing out on competitive deals.
Understanding the January 2025 Rule Change
From 17 January 2025, any broadband, mobile, or pay-TV deal signed must follow two core rules:
- No inflation-linked rises — Contracts can no longer refer to CPI or RPI percentages to calculate price changes.
- Full transparency — Any in-term rise must be written in the contract as a precise pound-and-pence amount and a fixed date (e.g., “£2.99 increase in month 13”).
These requirements apply to all new contracts, including renewals.
Who’s still affected by old rules?
If your deal began before 17 January 2025, you are still under your existing terms. That means CPI/RPI-linked rises can still apply until your contract ends or you switch. For example, a plan starting in August 2024 with “CPI + 3.9%” could still rise in April 2025 based on that formula.
Why Providers Still Raise Prices Mid-Contract
Even with the new rules, most major ISPs have chosen to retain some form of annual increase—now fixed in pounds—arguing it covers rising network, support, and energy costs.
Examples of 2025 fixed-pence rises
- BT, EE, Plusnet — Broadband rises of around £3 per month in March 2025 for new contracts. Social tariff users are exempt.
- Vodafone — Fixed £3 broadband rise; smaller increases for mobile customers.
- TalkTalk — £3 broadband rise after the first year.
- Three — Increases of £2 for broadband; £1–£1.50 for mobile.
- Virgin Media — Still uses a hybrid model for older contracts, but new deals signed after January 2025 show a fixed-amount increase.
While this is more predictable than CPI+X, avoiding it completely means picking the right plan and timing your switch.
| Provider | New rise | Previous terms |
|---|---|---|
| BT / EE | £3/month in spring for contracts since Mar 2025. From 31 Jul 2025, new customers face £4/month each March. | CPI/RPI + ~3.9% in spring for older contracts. |
| Plusnet | £3/month for contracts from 10 Apr 2024; rising to £4/month for deals from 5 Aug 2025. | CPI + ~3.9% for pre-2024 agreements. |
| TalkTalk | £3/month every April for contracts signed from 12 Aug 2024. | CPI + 3.7% for earlier contracts. |
| Vodafone | £3/month each April for contracts started after early Jul 2024. | CPI + 3.9% for contracts begun before. |
| Virgin Media | £3.50/month each April for deals signed on/after 9 Jan 2025. | RPI + 3.9% for agreements before that date. |
| Sky / NOW | ~6.2% inflation-linked increases from Apr 2025. No fixed-pence model confirmed. | Inflation-linked rises still applied mid-contract. |
| Community Fibre | No mid-contract rises for 2025. Fixed rate through term. From Apr 2026, £2/month annual increase applies. | n/a |
| Hyperoptic, YouFibre | Fixed-price contracts with no annual rises during the term. | n/a |
How to Avoid a Mid-Contract Price Rise in 2025
Avoiding increases is possible if you know the options. Here’s a step-by-step approach.
1. Choose a deal with no in-contract rises
Some smaller or alternative providers—often full-fibre altnets—offer fixed pricing for the entire minimum term. These can be worth seeking out, particularly if they deliver competitive speeds in your area.
2. Opt for a 12-month contract
Shorter terms mean you can renew or switch before any increase applies. Even if there is a fixed rise after month 13, you won’t reach it if you move at month 12.
3. Switch just before the rise date
For 24-month deals with a single fixed increase in month 13, moving at month 12 avoids paying the higher rate. This is where One Touch Switch (OTS) makes timing easier.
4. Use social tariffs if eligible
If you’re on certain benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Pension Credit), you can access social tariffs from many major providers—these typically freeze prices for the duration of the term.
5. Negotiate at renewal
Providers are often willing to waive or offset a rise when you agree to a new term. Having competing offers from comparison sites can help in these discussions.
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Compare DealsHow to Spot a Price Rise Clause Before You Sign
With the new rules, spotting the clause is easier—but you still need to read it carefully.
Look for:
- The exact £/p amount of the increase.
- The month or date it takes effect.
- Confirmation it is fixed for the length of the contract.
If you see any reference to “annual inflation” or “percentage increase”, that deal is either a legacy contract or non-compliant for new sign-ups.
Using One Touch Switch to Avoid Delays
One Touch Switch—launched in September 2024—makes moving broadband suppliers simpler. You only need to contact the new provider, who then handles the cancellation with your old one.
Benefits for avoiding mid-term rises:
- You can line up a switch date before a price increase applies.
- Minimal downtime between services (often same-day).
- Reduced risk of overlapping billing.
Process:
- Contact your chosen new provider and provide your address and account details.
- They confirm the switch date and handle all communications with your current ISP.
- You receive final billing and confirmation from your old provider.
Example Cost Scenarios
Here’s how fixed-pence and inflation-linked rises compare for a £25 monthly plan over 24 months:
| Type of Rise | Month 1–12 Price | Month 13–24 Price | Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed £3 increase | £25.00 | £28.00 | £636.00 | Predictable; avoidable by switching before month 13 |
| CPI+3.9% (6.5% est) | £25.00 | £26.62 | ~£626.40 | Could be higher if inflation spikes |
While fixed-pence may cost slightly more if inflation is low, it protects against years of high inflation.
Providers Offering Price-Rise-Free Deals in 2025
Some full-fibre ISPs advertise contracts with no mid-term rises:
- Community Fibre — Fixed price for term; symmetrical speeds.
- Hyperoptic — Price guarantee for entire contract length.
- YouFibre — No rises during the minimum term.
These offers are more common from smaller, regional providers than from BT, Sky, or Virgin Media.
How the January 2025 Rules Benefit Consumers
The rule changes were driven by Ofcom research showing:
- Over half of customers on CPI+X deals didn’t understand how increases were calculated.
- Many underestimated the total cost impact over the term.
- Inflation-linked rises led to sharp hikes in 2022–2023 when inflation hit double digits.
By forcing fixed-pence amounts into contracts, customers can:
- Compare total term costs easily.
- Avoid unpredictable inflation surges.
- Time switches to avoid the increase altogether.
Planning Your Avoidance Strategy
- Know your contract start date — This determines if old or new rules apply.
- Track your rise date — Mark it on a calendar so you can act before it hits.
- Compare deals annually — Even if you’re in a longer term, early-switching penalties may be offset by savings.
- Check availability — Use postcode checkers to find smaller ISPs offering price-freeze contracts.
- Bundle carefully — If you need TV or mobile as well, check each service’s rise clause.
FAQs
Can providers still raise prices mid-contract?
Yes, but only if the exact amount and date are written into the contract for deals signed after 17 January 2025.
Does this apply to bundles?
Yes—broadband, phone, mobile, and TV services in one package must all follow the same rule.
Can I avoid rises if I’m already in a contract?
If you signed before January 2025, you may still face CPI/RPI-linked increases until renewal. Your best option is to plan your switch at the end of the minimum term.
Are social tariffs exempt?
Generally yes—most providers do not apply mid-term rises to social tariff customers.
Is there an advantage to fixed-pence rises?
Yes—predictability. Even if the amount is a few pounds, you know exactly when and how much your bill will change.
Final Word
Avoiding mid-contract price rises in 2025 is possible—but it takes awareness and timing. The new Ofcom rules have made things clearer, but providers still include fixed-pence increases in many plans. By choosing shorter terms, seeking providers with no in-term rises, and timing your switch before an increase takes effect, you can keep your broadband costs stable.
Armed with the new rules, postcode-level provider availability, and One Touch Switch, you have the tools to beat the hikes and stay in control of your bill.
