Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.com, comments: “Today’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for inflation will make unhappy reading for many broadband and mobile customers up and down the country.
“After last month’s slight dip to 9.9%, the return to double-digit inflation suggests that the cost-of-living squeeze felt by millions of households is not likely to ease significantly in the run-up to Christmas.
“BT’s customers will have particular cause for concern as they are one of the few providers so far to confirm plans to push ahead with mid-contract rises, linked to inflation, next spring. If the current CPI rate of 10.1% is the same in January, households with the UK’s biggest internet provider will face bill increases of 14%, including the provider’s above inflation price increase clause.
“Should other companies who carried the inflationary rises this year follow suit, it means EE, Plusnet, Vodafone and Talkmobile customers will also be facing a record hike at the end of March.
“Based on our price research into average telecom bills[1], 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 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.”
–ENDS–
Notes to editors
1 Based on Uswitch data from Jan-April 2022 switches showing an average in-contract pay-monthly mobile bill of £36.68 and average monthly broadband bill of £24.34
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.
