# Mobile mid-contract price rises explained

> Bills & utilities · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## Quick answer

From 17 January 2025 Ofcom banned inflation-linked mid-contract rises on new mobile and broadband contracts. Providers must state any future price increases as fixed cash amounts before you sign — typically £1–£3 a month, not CPI plus 3.9%.

Annual surprise bill hikes were common on UK mobile contracts until Ofcom reformed the rules. Existing contracts signed before January 2025 may still allow older rise mechanisms until they end. This guide explains your rights and how to respond.

## Key facts

- New contracts from 17 January 2025 must disclose any mid-contract rises as fixed pound amounts
- Inflation-plus rises (e.g. CPI + 3.9%) are banned on new mobile, broadband and pay-TV contracts
- Existing pre-2025 contracts may still rise under old terms until the contract ends
- SIM-only deals avoid handset financing and often have shorter commitments

## What changed in 2025

Ofcom required providers to show the exact pounds-and-pence increase customers will face during the contract, before signing. Vague 'in line with inflation' language is no longer permitted on new deals.

The change followed years of above-inflation hikes that made the headline monthly price misleading. Comparison sites must now show total contract cost including disclosed rises.

Broadband and pay-TV face the same rules. See our broadband switching guide for fixed-line contracts.

## Legacy contracts

If you signed before 17 January 2025, your contract may still allow CPI or RPI linked increases — often in April each year. Check your terms and the annual notification letter.

You usually cannot cancel penalty-free solely because of a permitted contractual rise — unlike a material change outside the contract terms.

When your contract ends, compare SIM-only deals and consider switching via PAC code to keep your number.

## Keeping bills down

SIM-only plans suit handsets you already own and typically cost less than bundled phone contracts.

Social tariffs from major networks offer discounted mobile for people on qualifying benefits — eligibility varies by provider.

If you are out of contract, you are free to switch without exit fees. Use our mobile SIM-only vs contract comparison.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I leave if my bill rises mid-contract?

On new contracts, rises must match what was disclosed at sale. On legacy inflation-linked contracts, early exit fees usually still apply unless the rise breaches Ofcom fairness rules — complain to the provider first.

### Do social tariffs allow mid-contract rises?

Social tariffs must follow the same transparency rules on new contracts. Check the specific tariff terms before signing.

### Does Wi-Fi calling affect switching?

No. Your PAC code ports your mobile number within one working day. Your broadband is separate — cancel or switch that independently.

## Primary source

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/information-for-industry/cpi-price-rise

## Related

- [SIM-only mobile switching](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/sim-only-mobile-switching/)
- [Mobile SIM-only vs contract](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/mobile-sim-only-vs-contract/)
- [Can my mobile price rise?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/can-my-mobile-price-rise-mid-contract/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.