Have you or someone you know ever been caught off guard by a mid-contract broadband price increase? It’s frustrating when you sign up for a service expecting to pay a certain amount, only to find your bill creeping up months later. Unfortunately, this has been a common practice among many internet providers, with price rises often hidden in the small print.
To tackle this, Ofcom has introduced new rules, banning hidden increases to bring more clarity to broadband pricing. From January this year, providers can no longer use vague terms like “prices may increase in line with inflation” without specifying exact figures. Instead, any planned price increases must be clearly stated in monetary terms right from the start of the contract. This means consumers can enjoy more control over their broadband costs throughout their agreement.
These changes will prevent many of the misleading pricing tactics that have impacted consumers for years. However, while the Ofcom ruling will make a significant difference, it is still up to individual providers to adopt fair pricing practices.
At LilaConnect, we believe in full transparency. We’ve never increased our prices mid-contract, and we never will. When you sign up with us, the price you agree to is locked in for the full 24 months, giving you complete peace of mind.
The Impact on Consumers
Mid-contract price hikes can put a strain on household budgets. They make it significantly difficult for consumers to accurately and/or effectively forecast their finances.
After all, when a customer signs up for broadband, they expect to pay a fixed amount for the duration of their contract, without extra costs.
Additionally, these increases are not always communicated transparently at the point of sale. While providers may include them in their terms and conditions, customers can often be unaware that their bills will rise until they receive a notification. By that point, options are limited, and customers are left with little time to prepare for the additional expense.
If a customer is unhappy with an increase, switching providers may seem like a sensible solution, but many broadband contracts also include high exit fees. This makes leaving an expensive decision, forcing customers to either accept the higher charges or pay a steep penalty to cancel their service early.
Most importantly, price rises can damage trust between providers and their customers. Broadband is an essential service, and consumers want to feel confident that their provider is offering a fair and reliable deal. When prices go up without warning, it can create frustration and give the impression that providers prioritise profits over fairness, making it harder for customers to remain loyal.
Our Commitment to Transparent Pricing
Unlike some competitors, LilaConnect operates differently. As a part of our mission statement, we refuse to impose mid-contract price hikes.
Our approach prioritises customer satisfaction, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and trust. Ultimately, we have always been, and always will be, a customer first company – offering reliable, lightning-fast broadband without the worry of mid-contract price rises.
Customers will incur no hidden fees, and will be fully aware of their costs upfront, without any unexpected charges or changes.
So, if you’re tired of unexpected bills and misleading terms, it’s time to switch to a provider that puts you first. Find out more about our fair pricing and broadband packages here.
