Key takeaways
From January 2024, Ofcom's rules require broadband and mobile providers to clearly state at the point of sale exactly how mid-contract price rises will be calculated -- in pounds and pence, not as a percentage formula. Providers can still raise prices during a contract, but they must be transparent about how.
If a provider raises prices in a way that was not clearly disclosed at sign-up, customers have the right to exit their contract without an early termination charge. This right also applies if the price rise is materially different from what was stated.
The new rules replaced previous CPI+3.9% or RPI-based price rise clauses that many providers used, which customers found confusing because they depended on unknown future inflation figures at the time of signing.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives additional protections: any contract term that was not transparent or prominent, or that creates a significant imbalance to the detriment of the consumer, may be considered unfair and therefore unenforceable.
If you believe a price rise breaches your contract terms or Ofcom's rules, you can complain to your provider first, then escalate to the Communications Ombudsman or CISAS if unresolved after 8 weeks.
Reviewed: June 2026Key facts
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What changed in January 2024
From January 2024, Ofcom required all broadband and mobile providers to change how they communicate mid-contract price rises. Previously, many providers used inflation-linked clauses -- typically CPI+3.9% or RPI-based formulas -- that meant customers did not know the exact amount of any future price rise at the point of signing a contract. The formulas depended on future inflation data that did not yet exist.
Ofcom found that these clauses were confusing and made it difficult for consumers to compare contracts accurately. From January 2024, providers offering new contracts must state the exact amount of any mid-contract price rise in pounds and pence -- for example, 'your monthly price may increase by up to £3 per year' -- rather than a percentage formula linked to an index.
This applies to new contracts signed from January 2024. Customers on older contracts that pre-date the rule change may still be subject to CPI or RPI-linked clauses. If your contract was signed before January 2024 and includes an inflation-linked price rise clause, that clause may still be valid under the terms you agreed.
Your right to exit if prices rise unexpectedly
The core consumer protection in mid-contract price rises is the right to exit the contract without an early termination charge. This right is triggered when a provider increases prices in a way that was not clearly disclosed at the point of sale.
Under Ofcom's General Conditions, if a provider changes the price or other material terms of a contract in a way that is to the detriment of the customer, the customer must be given at least 30 days' notice and the right to terminate the contract without charge. This applies to price rises that go beyond what was disclosed at sign-up.
The exit right does not apply if the price rise was clearly and prominently disclosed at the point of sale and the actual increase matches what was stated. If your provider told you clearly at sign-up that your price would rise by a specific amount on a specific date, and the actual rise matches that disclosure, the exit right does not automatically apply.
The Consumer Rights Act and unfair terms
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides an additional layer of protection. Contract terms that were not presented transparently or prominently, or that create a significant imbalance in the rights and obligations of the parties to the detriment of the consumer, may be considered unfair and therefore unenforceable.
Applying this to mid-contract price rises: a clause that allows unlimited price rises without clear specification could be challenged as an unfair term. The CMA investigated broadband provider price rise clauses before Ofcom's 2024 rule change, finding concerns about how transparent some providers were being with customers about the potential scale of rises.
How to challenge a price rise
If you receive a mid-contract price rise notification and believe it breaches your contract terms or Ofcom's rules, the process is: first, contact your provider's customer service and formally dispute the price rise, referencing Ofcom's price transparency rules and your right to exit without charge if the rise was not clearly disclosed. Keep a record of all communications.
If the provider does not resolve the dispute within 8 weeks, or issues a deadlock letter, you can escalate to the relevant Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. Communications Ombudsman handles most residential broadband and mobile disputes. CISAS handles disputes for providers that belong to that scheme instead. Ofcom publishes a list of which providers belong to which ADR scheme at ofcom.org.uk.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA. Data sourced from Ofcom, legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK and CMA. Verify current information at ofcom.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Can my broadband provider raise prices during my contract?
Yes, but only under the terms disclosed at sign-up. From January 2024, Ofcom requires providers to state any mid-contract price rise in pounds and pence at the point of sale. If a provider raises prices beyond what was clearly disclosed, you have the right to exit the contract without an early termination charge with 30 days' notice.
What are my rights if my broadband price goes up mid-contract?
If the price rise was clearly disclosed at sign-up and matches the stated amount, you are bound by the contract terms. If the rise was not clearly disclosed, or is materially higher than what was stated, Ofcom's General Conditions give you the right to exit the contract without an early termination charge after 30 days' notice. Always check your original contract terms.
What changed about mid-contract price rises in January 2024?
Before January 2024, many providers used inflation-linked clauses (CPI+3.9%, RPI%) that customers found confusing. From January 2024, Ofcom's rules require providers to state any mid-contract price increase in pounds and pence at the point of sale for new contracts, so customers know the exact potential increase when they sign up.
Can I leave my mobile contract if prices go up?
Yes, in the same way as broadband. If your mobile provider raises prices in a way that was not clearly disclosed at sign-up, or sends a price rise notification, Ofcom's General Conditions require 30 days' notice and give you the right to exit without early termination charges if the rise was not clearly disclosed. Check your contract terms and the provider's notification.
Does the Vodafone Three merger protect me from price rises?
VodafoneThree agreed to cap selected mobile tariffs and data plans for three years as a condition of the CMA's merger clearance (until approximately May 2028). This is separate from Ofcom's general mid-contract price rise rules and applies specifically to tariffs covered by the CMA commitment. If you are on a price-capped VodafoneThree plan, it should not be raised above the capped level during the three-year protection period.
Where do I escalate if my provider refuses to honour my exit right?
If your provider disputes your right to exit or refuses to waive the early termination charge, use their formal complaints process. If unresolved after 8 weeks, escalate to the relevant ADR scheme -- Communications Ombudsman (commsombudsman.org) or CISAS (cisas.org.uk) depending on your provider. These schemes can make binding awards. Ofcom publishes a list of which providers belong to which scheme.
What is an early termination charge?
An early termination charge (ETC) is a fee for leaving a contract before the minimum term ends. The charge is typically based on the remaining monthly payments owed. Under Ofcom's General Conditions, providers must disclose ETCs clearly. If a price rise triggers your exit right, the ETC should be waived. Providers must also reduce ETCs proportionally if you have been paying down the device cost included in your contract.
Are contract price rises covered by the Consumer Rights Act?
Yes. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires contract terms to be fair, transparent and prominent. A price rise clause that was buried in small print or was not clearly explained at sign-up may be challengeable as an unfair term. The CMA investigated broadband price rise practices before Ofcom's 2024 rule change and found concerns about transparency.
