Mobile, broadband and TV bill warning as costs set to rise again by hundreds due to soaring inflation
MILLIONS of households could see their mobile, broadband and TV bills rise by more than £60 next year.
Customers may face huge mid-contract rises in the new year, on top of already soaring food, fuel and energy prices.
It comes as the rate of inflation went up in September to 10.1% – back to a 40-year-high.
Research conducted by USwitch found that broadband customers, who have switched to a new pay-monthly deal since January, could see their annual bills go up by more than £60.
BT customers could face bill increases of up 14% as the provider has already confirmed plans to push ahead with mid-contract rises in Spring.
Many broadband companies raise their prices every April in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of inflation plus an additional 3.7% or 3.9%.
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The CPI measures the monthly change in prices paid by consumers on an average basket of goods and services.
USwitch said EE, Plusnet, Vodafone and Talkmobile customers could also face record hikes if the companies chose not to carry inflationary rises next year.
Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch, said: “Based on our price research into average telecom bills, affected broadband consumers could be in line for an annual rise of over £40 a year, while those who have switched to a new pay-monthly mobile deal since January could see their annual bills go up by more than £60.
“If you are finding it difficult to pay your bills, check what deals are available and contact your provider to see if there are options to move onto a cheaper tariff.”
The price rises are often applied midway through contracts when customers face leaving penalties for switching their providers.
It means customers can effectively be forced into paying extra for their internet.
If mid-contract broadband prices go up in line with inflation as predicted, customers will face paying much more than they were last year.
The Sun has contacted BT, EE, Plusnet, Vodafone and Talkmobile and we will update this article when we hear back.
How can I save money on my broadband and mobile contracts?
Switching contracts when yours is up is the single best way to save money on your telecom bills.
In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available.
It’s a known fact that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, speed and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
However, if you do not want to switch and are happy with the service you’re getting under your current provider – haggle for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you’re given after your deal.
You could save up to £210 a year on your bills by haggling alone.
If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time.
Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won’t have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels.
It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers.
Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider.
If your provider won’t haggle, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don’t want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
Last but not least, it’s worth investigating social tariffs.
These broadband packages and discounts have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
They’re often available to those on income support, universal credit, or disability allowance.
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Around 4.2million households are eligible for these cheaper tariffs but only 55,000 are making use of them.
Prices start from £12.50 a month, so ask your provider what’s on offer.