Virgin Media O2 increases mid-contract price rises – what it means for broadband customers
The Virgin Media O2 group has introduced a new round of mid-contract price changes – this time affecting O2 mobile customers, following similar increases to Virgin Media’s broadband packages earlier this month.
From April 2026, O2 Pay Monthly (airtime) customers will face a £2.50 monthly rise every April – up from the current £1.80. Although mobile data-only and smartwatch users will still see a smaller 75p increase, this move marks another example of fixed annual price hikes across the group’s services.
For broadband customers, it’s part of a wider shift in pricing strategy. Virgin Media and O2 are now aligning their contracts under Ofcom’s new rules, which ban inflation-linked rises and require providers to state exact pound-and-pence increases upfront.
Why it matters for broadband users
The policy means that future broadband, mobile or bundle deals from Virgin Media O2 will now include clearly stated yearly rises – but also a higher starting point. While the change improves transparency, it still locks customers into price increases mid-contract.
Those on joint broadband and mobile packages could see combined costs rise even further from April, as both brands move to this new pricing model.
An O2 spokesperson said:
“With demand for mobile data at an all-time high, we’re introducing a 70p per month increase to annual price rises for O2 customers. We’ve again frozen prices on handset repayment plans and are investing £700m into our mobile network this year.”
The company confirmed that:
- Existing customers will be contacted directly and can leave without penalty if they wish.
- Social tariff users remain exempt from all price changes.
- Device repayment plans stay frozen.
What broadband customers should do next
If you’re on a Virgin Media broadband contract or O2 mobile plan – especially a bundle – it’s worth checking when your deal ends and how much your next rise will be. Switching to a new provider could help offset these increases.
Compare the latest broadband and mobile deals with our postcode checker to make sure you’re getting the best value before the new price rises take effect in April.
