New rules from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, have changed how broadband and mobile providers can increase prices during a contract. In broad terms, providers can no longer use mid-contract price rises that are linked to inflation in new contracts. Instead, any increase must be set out clearly upfront as a fixed amount in pounds and pence, so you can see exactly how much your bill could rise before you sign. The short answer is that the change is designed to make future price rises clearer and more predictable.
Previously, some contracts included increases tied to an inflation measure plus a percentage, which made it hard to know in advance how much a bill would rise. The new approach requires the amount to be stated plainly, removing the uncertainty of inflation-linked rises for new contracts.
This guide explains what the rules change, why they were introduced, how they affect new contracts, and what to look for. Because rules and how providers apply them can evolve, confirm the current details and your specific contract terms with the provider or through official Ofcom information.
What has changed?
The core change is that, for new contracts, providers can no longer link mid-contract price rises to inflation. Under the previous approach, an increase might have been described as an inflation measure plus a set percentage, which meant the actual amount was not known until the inflation figure was published. The new rules require any in-contract increase to be expressed as a clear, fixed amount in pounds and pence, disclosed before you sign.
This means that if a contract includes a mid-contract rise, you should be able to see exactly how much it will be and when it will apply, rather than an unknown figure tied to inflation. The aim is to remove the uncertainty that came with inflation-linked rises and to make the cost of a contract clearer from the outset.
The change applies to new contracts, so it shapes what you agree to going forward. Existing contracts signed under the old approach may differ, which is why it is worth understanding the terms of any contract you are currently on as well as any new one.
Why were the rules introduced?
The rules were introduced to improve transparency and predictability for consumers. Inflation-linked price rises made it difficult for people to know how much their bills would increase during a contract, since the final amount depended on a future inflation figure. This uncertainty made it hard to compare contracts and to budget.
By requiring increases to be stated as a fixed amount in pounds and pence upfront, the rules let you see the potential cost clearly before committing. This supports more informed decisions, since you can weigh the stated increase as part of the overall cost of a contract rather than facing an unpredictable rise later.
The broad intent is consumer protection: making the terms of price rises clear and certain, so people are not surprised by larger-than-expected increases. It reflects a wider focus on clearer information and fairer treatment in the communications sector.
How do the rules affect new contracts?
For new contracts, the practical effect is that any mid-contract price rise should be visible and fixed in pounds and pence before you sign. The table below summarises the difference between the old and new approaches.
| Aspect | Previous approach | New approach |
|---|---|---|
| How rises were set | Often linked to inflation plus a percentage | Fixed amount in pounds and pence |
| Predictability | Amount unknown until inflation published | Amount known upfront |
| Disclosure | Less clear in advance | Disclosed before you sign |
The table shows the shift from uncertain, inflation-linked rises to clear, fixed amounts disclosed upfront. This means that when you consider a new contract, you can factor any stated increase into your decision, knowing the figure rather than guessing. It does not necessarily mean prices will not rise, but that any in-contract rise should be clear from the start.
What should you look for before you sign?
When considering a new contract, look for how any mid-contract price rise is described. Under the new rules, it should be a clear amount in pounds and pence, stated before you sign, so check what that amount is, when it would apply, and how it fits the overall cost over the contract. This helps you compare contracts on a clearer basis.
It is also worth understanding the ongoing price beyond any introductory period, since the headline price may be a discounted rate. Combining the stated price-rise information with the ongoing price gives a fuller view of what you would pay over time. If anything is unclear, ask the provider to explain the terms.
Because the rules and their application can evolve, and existing contracts may differ from new ones, confirm the current details with the provider or through official Ofcom information. Knowing exactly how any increase is set helps you sign with a clear understanding of the costs.
Frequently asked questions
Can my provider still raise prices mid-contract?
Providers may still include a mid-contract price rise, but under the new rules for new contracts it must be a clear, fixed amount in pounds and pence stated upfront, rather than linked to inflation. Check how any increase is described before you sign.
Do the new rules apply to my existing contract?
The rules apply to new contracts. An existing contract signed under the previous approach may have different terms, possibly including an inflation-linked rise. Check your current contract terms with your provider to understand how any increase applies to you.
Does this mean my bill will not go up?
Not necessarily. The rules make any in-contract increase clear and fixed in pounds and pence rather than uncertain, but a contract may still include a stated rise. The change is about transparency and predictability, so you know the amount upfront.
Where can I check the details of the rules?
For authoritative information, refer to official Ofcom guidance and confirm your specific contract terms with your provider. Because rules and how providers apply them can evolve, checking the current details directly ensures you have accurate, up-to-date information.
Conclusion
New Ofcom rules have changed how broadband and mobile providers can raise prices mid-contract, requiring any increase in new contracts to be stated clearly in pounds and pence rather than linked to inflation. The aim is to make future rises predictable and transparent, so you can see the amount before you sign. The rules apply to new contracts, so existing ones may differ. When considering a contract, check how any rise is described and the ongoing price. Because rules and their application can evolve, confirm the current details with the provider or through official Ofcom information.