A NUMBER of mobile and broadband providers used by millions of Brits have axed “sneaky” charges for customers.
The firms are getting ahead of new Ofcom rules which are set to simplify mid-contract price rises.
Previously, increases were expressed to users as a percentage linked to inflation.
Now, though, they will be clearly displayed in pounds and pence so Brits know exactly what they are facing and can compare rates.
Increases will also have to be set out at the time that you sign up to the deal and can’t be sprung on you suddenly from October this year under the new rules.
Several companies are implementing the changes from this month and have laid out what it means for their customers already.
First of all, Plusnet will apply a flat rate charge for all broadband customers, increasing by £3 a month each year.
HERE'S how to save money on your broadband and TV bills:
Audit your subscriptions
If you’ve got multiple subscriptions to various on-demand services, such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Sky consider whether you need them all.
Could you even just get by with Freeview, which couldn’t cost you anything extra each month for TV.
Also make sure you’re not paying for Netflix twice via Sky and directly.
Haggle for a discount
If you want to stay with your provider, check prices elsewhere to set a benchmark and then call its customer services and threaten to leave unless it price matches or lowers your bill.
Switch and save
If you don’t want to stay with your current provider check if you can cancel your contract penalty free and switch to a cheaper provider.
A comparison site, such as BroadbandChoices or Uswitch, will help you find the best deal for free.
This will be matched by a 5% rise in out-of-bundle services.
The changes will be implemented on March 31 each year, so if you pay £30 a month now, that will go to £33 in 2025 and £36 in 2026.
Likewise, broadband and mobile coverage from EE and BT will take a similar route.
EE Mobile deals will rise by £1.50 a month along the same annual structure.
This will be £2 for TV customers and £3 for broadband, with the same 5% rise in out-of-bundle prices.
Finally, sticking with mobile deals, Vodafone will charge £1 a month more for phone coverage and £3 for its broadband, again rising on a set date in April every year.
However, pay-as-you-go customers won’t be affected as they do not have a fixed contract.
It comes after Sun Money revealed that firms were hiking deals by up to £50.
Dame Melanie Dawes, chief executive at the regulator Ofcom, said: “At a time when household finances are under serious strain, customers need prices to be crystal clear.
“But most people are confused by the unpredictability and complexity of inflation-linked price rise terms written into their contract, which undermines customers’ ability to shop around.
“Our tougher protections would ban this practice once and for all, giving mobile customers the clarity and certainty that they need to secure the best deal to suit their needs and budgets.”
