Broadband Price Hikes - How can I avoid them?

Broadband price hikes – what they mean and how to avoid them

Broadband keeps us constantly connected – from work, to streaming endless entertainment, to communicating online with friends and family. But for millions of UK customers, mid-contract price rises are an annual frustration. One minute you’re on a great deal, the next your bill is creeping up – and there’s no easy way out.

Why do broadband prices rise?

Most major providers put annual broadband price increases into their contracts, linking them to inflation rates. They typically use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Retail Price Index (RPI), then tack on an extra percentage.

For example, if CPI is 4% and your provider adds 3.9%, your bill jumps up to7.9%. Over time, , those increases stack up fast. This spring, BT, EE, Plusnet, and Vodafone are upping their prices by up to 6.5%*. While lower than last year’s 8% rise, it still means paying more for the same service, leaving millions of people stuck with high broadband fees and less autonomy to move providers.

Why are mid-contract price rises important?

Broadband price rises kick in mid-contract, leaving you with two options: suck it up or pay a huge early-exit fee. Many customers sign up for a budget-friendly deal, only to find their bill climbing within months. If your provider keeps hiking up prices, that cost only goes up and up. If you’re on a higher-tier plan, you can expect even steeper rises due to a higher benchmark.

Different providers have different approaches to contracts. Most broadband contracts lock you in with exit fees hidden in the fine print, which means providers can then point to the terms and conditions – effectively trapping customers in. Whereas some newer contracts swap percentage-based for fixed increases. This might feel fairer, but it still means paying more for the same service every year. At LightSpeed, we’re aiming to change that. Our contracts aren’t made to catch you out or put you out of pocket purely for the fact that we believe in better service. Our rate stays the same as the one you signed up for – and we guarantee no price increases mid-contract.

From 17th January 2025, Ofcom is banning inflation-linked price rises. Instead, providers must state any future increases upfront, in pounds and pence, when you sign up. This should mean fewer surprises and more transparency. But if you’re already locked into a rising contract, switching to a fairer provider like LightSpeed is your best bet.

How to Switch Providers

Every year, price increases push more customers to find better deals. With living costs rising, people are becoming savvier about their broadband bills.

Broadband customers are often forced to switch providers due to broadband price increases, but it’s important that the switch still feels right for your needs. Clearer pricing and better service are important to consider when switching broadband.

If you’re thinking of switching, here’s what to consider:

• Price stability – do they guarantee no mid-contract rises?

• Speed and reliability – will their service meet your needs?

• Customer service – do they have a good reputation for support?

• Contract flexibility – are there hefty exit fees?

• Extra perks – do they offer contract buy-outs or discounts?

At LightSpeed Broadband, we keep it simple: no mid-contract price rises, ever.

The price you sign up for is the price you pay for your entire contract. No sneaky increases, no surprises – just fair, transparent pricing. While other providers increase rates year after year, we put our customers first. Knowing you can rely on broadband with no price increase mid-contract gives you the peace of mind you deserve. With living costs rising, predictable pricing helps you budget without nasty shocks.

How to switch to a fairer provider

If you’re fed up with price increases, here’s how to switch to LightSpeed:

• Check your contract

• Find out if you’re still within your provider’s minimum term and whether exit fees apply.

• Compare plans

• Look at LightSpeed’s broadband packages to find one that fits your needs.

Make the switch

• We handle the transition, including notifying your current provider, and offering up to £350 to buy you out of your contract.

• Enjoy stable pricing

• Once you're with us, your bill stays at the rate you signed up for the entire contract.

• Don’t worry about exit fees, we’ve got you covered. LightSpeed offers up to £350 to help with cancellation costs, making it easier to ditch providers that keep hiking prices.

Ditch the price rise, take control!

Broadband is a necessity – and no one should be stuck with unfair price rises. While many providers continue to sneak in yearly increases, LightSpeed stands firm with stable pricing.

If you're tired of unpredictable bills, now’s the time to take control. Switch today and say goodbye to mid-contract price hikes for good.

*Competitor pricing based on uSwitch data as of February 2025. Prices and offers may change. LightSpeed does not guarantee the accuracy of competitor pricing. For the latest details, please visit uSwitch or the provider’s website.