The price of almost everything seems to be skyrocketing at the moment and broadband plans are getting 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 providers will be increasing their prices from April 1, 2023 (and no, it’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 might come as a shock to many.
Which broadband providers will increase their prices from April 2023?
Here are the providers who have confirmed price increases through April, and by what percentage monthly bills will increase:
Your broadband provider should contact you about the change. However, some packages are exempt from the hikes. For example, if you’re on Universal Credit or living on your pension, your rates might not go up.
If you’re faced with higher bills, you might be able to avoid it by switching broadband providers and getting a cheaper deal. Alternatively, you may be able to re-subscribe with your current provider now before these price increases. However, make sure you don’t get stung with the raises on this new contract.
To see which providers are serving your address and what speeds and prices they are offering, here are the best broadband deals currently available.
Below we’ve listed providers who offer cheaper deals for those who sign up just before April. It certainly seems unfair to customers who signed up in February or before will be affected by the migrations but cannot switch without paying early exit fees.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
How to avoid the BT price increase
BT’s mid-term price increases apply to 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 forums page states that if you sign up or renew before 31 March 2023 you may be able to avoid this year’s 14.4% price increase and opt for a lower package for longer. For all the ways to contact a sales representative, go to BT help page.
According to Uswitch, customers are unlikely to be able to cancel without a prepayment penalty unless they’ve had the contract for two years or more – in which case you might be able to switch or cancel before the price increase takes effect.
Find out more at Exit fees from BT.
You can cancel or switch by calling 0800 783 1401.
Virgin Media has confirmed customers will be able to switch or cancel their plans free of charge if they are impacted by the price increases, effective April 1, 2023 for some packages and May 1, 2023 for others.
However, you only have a limited time window available for this. Virgo Media confirmed on Twitter that it will contact customers by March 27, 2023. Once contacted, you have 30 days to either switch plan or cancel provider with no exit fees.
You can cancel or adjust your package by calling Virgin on 0345 454 1111.
How to avoid the Sky price increase
Sky’s price increase will affect most broadband and TV customers in the country, excluding those who had a long-term Sky Glass or Sky Stream contract on or after October 18, 2022 (this does not include rolling monthly contracts). ). Those on Sky’s Broadband Basics plan are also unaffected.
Although there is no way to secure a lower price, you can cancel without penalty even if you are in the middle of the contract. However, you must do so within 30 days of the first time you were contacted about the price increase. It may also be worth calling to see if Sky is cutting costs to keep you going.
You can do this by contacting Sky on 0333 759 1230. There is more information about this help pages.
How to avoid the Vodafone price increase
Vodafone is allowing customers to opt-in for the lower prices this March, provided they sign up before April’s price increase.
You can keep doing this Vodafone websiteor by going to yours nearest Vodafone store. If you’re mid-contract and signed up before February 24, 2023, you’ll likely have to pay an exit fee. You can either cancel or change your contract via online chator by telephone on 0333 304 0191.
How to avoid the TalkTalk broadband price hike
TalkTalk is another provider that allows customers to secure this month before April 1, 2023 at a lower price. All you have to do is sign a contract TalkTalk website.
Unfortunately, if you are an existing TalkTalk customer who signed up before March 2nd, 2023, you will be impacted by the price increase and will not be able to opt out without paying a penalty. You can explore your options by calling 0345 172 0088.
Community Fiber has confirmed on its help pages that anyone who signs up for a broadband contract between January 1, 2023 and April 1, 2023 will not be affected by the price increase for the first year of the contract. You can sign up for Community Fiber packages on the website.
If you have pre-registered, there may be a price increase – and you may have to pay a cancellation fee. You can explore your options by calling 0800 082 0770.
How to avoid the Shell Energy Broadband price increase
Shell is allowing customers to lock in at the lower prices this March. You’ll also get a month’s free broadband when you sign up on the Shell website in the next few weeks.
If you are already a customer and registered before January 9, 2023, you cannot avoid the price increase. You can cancel your account by calling Shell on 0330 094 5801, but some exit fees may apply.
My broadband provider is not listed. Can I avoid the price increase?
Vendors not listed above (but raising prices) have not said if it is possible to avoid the price increases.
You can try contacting your provider to discuss your contract, or try switching to one of the broadband providers listed above that offer cheaper plans before April 1, 2023.
For more money-saving hacks during the cost of living crisis, you can also check what we know about the Utrack money back program and find out how an air fryer can save you money.
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UK broadband providers are set to increase prices from April 1, 2023, with some blaming regulatory changes as well as high inflation. Even customers in the middle of contracts may face the hikes, although packages for those on Universal Credit or living on a pension might be exempt. To avoid higher bills, customers can switch providers or re-subscribe with their current one before the increases take effect. Most providers will contact customers about the changes, but some are offering customers the chance to opt out within a certain time frame.