Mid-contract broadband hike slammed by Britons as ‘greedy’

Broadband and internet prices have risen by an average of £90 a year after prices were hiked by up to 17.3 percent on April 1. Britons will be forced to accept these mid-contract increases or face a costly exit fee. However, a new Express.co.uk poll has shown that 98 percent of readers are not happy paying more.

As set out in their terms and conditions, providers can increase their rates mid-contract by the rate of inflation – 13.4 percent in January – and an additional three to 3.9 percent.

Last month, Ofcom launched a review to establish if providers give their customers enough information about mid-contract rises. Matthew Upton, director of policy at Citizens Advice, said: “We called on these firms to support their customers during this uniquely challenging time, but they didn’t listen. Instead, they’re pushing ahead with these mid-contract price rises.

“Ofcom should be holding these companies to account, but it has kicked the can down the road with a review that won’t land until the end of the year. When the regulator does act, it must deal with this once and for all by banning any future mid-contract price hikes.”

READ MORE: UK’s ‘worst’ broadband exposed and where providers rank

In a poll that ran from 11am on Wednesday, March 29, to 3pm on Monday, April 3, Express.co.uk asked readers: “Are you happy to pay more for your broadband as charges are about to spike?”

A total of 1,284 votes were cast, with an overwhelming 98 percent (1,255 people) answering, “no”, they are not happy to pay more. Just two percent (23 people) said, “yes”, and a further six people said they did not know.

In the comments below the accompanying article readers debated mid-contract price hikes.

Of those who were unhappy with the price rises, username maxime described it as “scandalous profiteering”.

Similarly, username ChwaraeTeg said: “Broadband and internet companies’ greed is not a good look in the current economic climate.”

While username BettyTurnip wrote: “They are just being greedy now. It’ll be the same service as it’s always been.”

And username bushido explained: “I will shortly be paying four times the cost of an annual TV Licence for my internet and phone calls. This is nothing short of a blatant rip-off. When you see just how much profit these companies are making and experience rubbish customer service, it makes you very unhappy.”

Yet username rogerwelco said: “My broadband was so bad I moved providers and dropped the landline. Much better reliable service and the price per month has actually gone down since I’ve been using it.”