BT's final inflation-based price increase – what this means for customers

BT is scrapping mid-contract price rises linked to inflation, but not before pushing one more through for 2024. To be clear, this doesn’t mean there will be no more BT price hikes, but it does mean that from 2025, these will have to be much clearer to the customer and spelt out in pounds and pence, rather than the current, confusing practice of unpredictable percentages.

How the 2024 mid-contract price rise will affect you

BT will raise its products and services – for the last time – in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation, which is 4%. Plus, to this, it will also add its own increase of 3.9%, taking it to a total price increase of 7.9%. Confusing! Yes. So, basically to the customer, this will look at about £3 per month extra for the average broadband customer. These price changes take effect from 31 March 2024.

The pressure for change

There has been a lot of criticism from media, watchdogs and regulators about the practice of inflation-linked, mid-contract rises by phone and broadband companies. A custom that no other service provider follows.

BT is the first big name to announce its new way of working, but many others will probably be forced to follow suite soon as broadband regulator, Ofcom, is currently reviewing this practice, saying:

"We are concerned about the degree of uncertainty consumers face about future price rises specified in contracts on the basis of inflation. The unpredictability of inflation rates means it can be difficult to know – months in advance – what an inflation-linked price rise will equate to in pounds and pence when consumers enter a contract.

Our review will examine these issues in detail to see whether tougher protections are needed."

Can I leave BT mid-contract if the prices go up?

Unfortunately with BT mid-contract price rises are now part of their terms and conditions that you have to agree to. Most customers will have to pay a penalty if they are still within contract. 

Are any BT customers exempt from the mid-contract price rises?

Customers who BT have classed as vulnerable and are signed up for BT Home Essentials or BT Home Phone Saver will not be affected by the price rises. 

Or, if you are out of contract you are free to leave and search for a better broadband deal. 

 

How to contact BT broadband

If you have any concerns about price increases or questions about your BT contract, you can contact them directly in these different ways: 

Call BT customer service: 0800 800 150

Contact BT Live Chat

Twitter: @bt_uk

Facebook: BT UK