Can my provider raise my price mid-contract?

Yes — and most do, once a year, usually in April. It's written into the terms and conditions you agree to when you sign up, which is why it's legal even if it feels like a surprise.

Until recently, most providers tied their annual rise to inflation — typically CPI or RPI plus a fixed percentage, often 3.9%. That meant you had no way of knowing the exact amount when you signed. Since January 2025, Ofcom has banned that practice for new contracts. Providers must now state any annual increase as a fixed amount in pounds and pence before you sign — so if your contract says "prices will increase by £3.50 each April," that's the number.

That said, if you're on an older contract signed before your provider's transition date, you may still be on the inflation-linked model for your current term.

What can you do about it?

If a provider notifies you of a price rise and it wasn't clearly stated in your original contract terms, you may have the right to exit penalty-free. The rules here vary by provider and when you signed, so it's worth checking Ofcom's guidance or contacting your provider directly. If you're already out of contract, you can leave any time — and a price rise is a good prompt to check whether a better deal exists elsewhere.