The price of just about everything seems to be skyrocketing right now, and broadband plans are about to get more expensive for almost everyone. As you can probably guess, this is due to high inflation, but some providers also blame regulatory changes.
This means that many UK suppliers will be raising their prices from April 1, 2023 (and no, that’s not an April Fool’s joke).
Even if you’re already in the middle of a contract, your prices could still go up, which could come as a shock to many.
Which broadband providers are raising prices from April 2023?
Here are the vendors who confirmed price increases in April and the percentage increase in monthly bills:
Your broadband provider should contact you about the change. However, some packages are exempt from hikes. For example, if you are on Universal Credit or living off your pension, your prices may not increase.
If you’re faced with higher bills, you may be able to avoid it by switching broadband providers and getting a cheaper deal. Alternatively, you may be able to take out a new contract with your current supplier before these prices increase. However, make sure you don’t get stung by the raises once on this new contract.
To see which providers serve your address as well as the speeds and prices on offer, here are the best broadband deals available right now.
Below, we’ve listed the providers below that are offering cheaper deals for those signing up just before April. This certainly seems unfair to customers who signed up in February or before whoever will be be affected by the upsides, but cannot change without paying an early exit fee.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
How to Avoid BT’s Price Rise
BT’s mid-term price increases apply to residential broadband customers who signed up after September 2020, but not if you’re on the Home Essentials, Home Phone Saver and Basic plans.
BT’s forum page says that if you sign up or renew before March 31, 2023, you might be able to avoid this year’s 14.4% price hike and lock yourself into a lower plan for longer. You can find all the ways to contact a sales representative on the BT help page.
Customers are unlikely to be able to cancel without an early termination fee, according to Uswitch, unless you’ve been in the contract for two or more years — in which case, you may be able to switch or cancel before the price goes up. comes into force.
Find out more details about BT’s exit fees.
You can cancel or change by calling 0800 783 1401.
Virgin Media has confirmed that customers can change or cancel their plans free of charge if they are affected by the upcoming price increases on April 1, 2023 for some plans and May 1, 2023 f or others.
However, you will only have a limited window to do so. Blank media confirmed on Twitter that it is contacting customers until March 27, 2023. Once you have been contacted, you will have 30 days to switch plans or cancel providers without incurring an exit fee.
You can cancel or change your plan by calling Virgin on 0345 454 1111.
How to Avoid Sky Price Rise
Sky’s price hike will affect most broadband and TV customers in the country, except those who entered into a long-term Sky Glass or Sky Stream contract on or after October 18, 2022 (the contracts rolling monthly are not included in this). Those on Sky’s Broadband Basics plan aren’t affected either.
While there’s no way to lock in a lower price, you can cancel without penalty, even if you’re halfway through your contract. However, you must do so within 30 days of the first contact about the price increase. It may also be worth ringing to see if Sky will lower the cost to hold you.
You can do this by contacting Sky on 0333 759 1230. Further information can be found on its help pages.
How to avoid Vodafone’s price hike
Vodafone is giving customers the lowest prices in March, provided you sign up before the price rises in April.
You can do this on the Vodafone website or by visiting your nearest Vodafone store. If you’re halfway through and signed up before February 24, 2023, you’ll likely have to pay an exit fee. You can terminate or change the contract either via the online chat or by calling 0333 304 0191.
How to Avoid Rising TalkTalk Broadband Prices
TalkTalk is another provider that is giving customers a lower price this month before April 1, 2023. All you need to do is sign up for a contract on the TalkTalk website.
If you are an existing TalkTalk customer who signed up before March 2, 2023, you will unfortunately be affected by the price increase and will not be able to exit without paying a penalty. You can explore your options by calling 0345 172 0088.
Community Fiber has confirmed on its help pages that anyone signing a broadband contract between January 1, 2023 and April 1, 2023 will not be subject to the price increase in the first year of the contract. You can sign up for Community Fiber packages on the website.
If you registered before that, a price increase may occur and you may have to pay a cancellation penalty. You can explore your options by calling 0800 082 0770.
How to Avoid Shell Energy Broadband Price Rise
Shell is allowing customers to lock in to the lowest prices in March. Plus, if you sign up on Shell’s website within the next few weeks, you’ll get free broadband for a month.
If you are an existing customer who signed up before January 9, 2023, you cannot avoid the price increase. You can cancel your account by calling Shell on 0330 094 5801, but exit charges may apply.
My broadband provider is not listed. Can I avoid the price increase?
Suppliers not listed above (but increasing prices) did not say whether price increases could be avoided.
You can try to contact your provider to discuss your contract or try to switch to one of the broadband providers listed above that offer cheaper contracts before April 1, 2023.
For more money saving hacks during the cost of living crisis, you can also check out what we know about the Utrack Money Back Program and find out how an air fryer could save you money .
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