11 ways to offset mid-contract mobile price rises

Millions will be forced to fork out more for their mobile phone bills this spring after mid-contract price hikes were confirmed.

How much extra you’ll be charged will depend on when you took out your contract after Ofgem banned inflation-linked mid-contract price rises.

Anyone with an older contract will likely see their bills increased by this week’s 2.5% inflation figure plus an additional percentage—typically 3.9%.

Those who took out a contract more recently will see their bill increase by a fixed amount, thought to be between 3% and 4%. Under Ofgem’s new rules, introduced on 17 January, this will now be clearly set out in their contract in ‘pounds and pence’.

The industry regulator chose to change how providers are allowed to implement mid-contract price rises after an investigation revealed that most consumers didn’t understand inflation figures or the impact they could have on future bills.

 The new ‘pounds and pence’ method will make it easier for mobile phone users to plan for future price rises when taking out a contract and more easily compare different deals.

Several major providers, including EE, O2, Three, Vodaphone, and Tesco Mobile, have already confirmed that they will impose price rises. Some contracts will rise by as much as £3 a month from April onwards.

With bills sent to jump again for millions, we’ve put together our top tips for cutting mobile costs.

Check your bill regularly

Go through your mobile bill monthly to ensure all charges are correct. Providers occasionally make mistakes, such as applying the wrong tariff or adding unexpected fees. If you notice any mistakes, contact your provider to dispute and resolve any issues.

Use WiFi whenever possible

Connecting to WiFi at home, work, or in public spaces can make a huge difference to how much mobile data you use. It could also help you avoid exceeding your data allowance. Go to your settings as lots of apps and mobiles also allow you to prioritise using WiFi over data.

Cap your bill

Contact your provider to set a spending cap on your account. This helps control your spending and avoid extra charges from excess usage like exceeding your data allowance, making international calls, or using premium services.

Avoid premium rate numbers

Calls to premium rate numbers can quickly add up. Use apps like "Say No to 0870" to find alternative, free, or lower-cost numbers for customer service and other services. Always check the cost of calls before dialing so you’re not landed with an unexpected expense.

Review your contract

Take time to review your existing contract. Look at whether you’re paying for features you don’t need, such as high data limits, additional services, or voicemail access. Contact your provider to tweak your plan so you only pay for what you use or need.

Haggle for a better deal

Research suggests you can save as much as £100 on your mobile bill by haggling. Contact your provider to negotiate a better deal when your contract is nearing its end. Most are willing to offer discounts or incentives to keep you as a customer. Before you make the call, research competitor deals to use as leverage during your negotiations.

Switch providers

If your current provider doesn’t offer a competitive deal, consider switching to a new one. You can use a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) or STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code) to switch providers seamlessly. If you use a PAC, you will even be able to keep your existing number and avoid any disruption. But beware, some providers charge early termination fees, which can be as much as the remaining balance of your contract.

Avoid in-app purchases

In-app purchases (IAPs) are additional fees users pay within an app to access extra content, services or features. IAPs are a way for app companies to make extra money from their apps and can drive up your bills without you realising until it’s too late. Turn off in-app purchases on your phone to stop these unexpected costs, especially if children regularly use your phone. This can usually be done in the phone’s settings or via app store restrictions.

Pay by Direct Debit

It’s around 6% cheaper if you pay your bills by direct debit and opt for paperless billing. Signing up for direct debits also means you never miss a payment, as well as avoiding late fees and harm being done to your credit score.

Consider social tariffs

You might qualify for discounted broadband or mobile tariffs if you receive government support, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Social tariffs are available for around 4.3 million households, saving users about £200 a year. Importantly, they are not subjected to mid-contract price rises, so you pay what you agree. They are delivered the same way as regular packages but much cheaper.

Check out the National Databank

The National Databank provides low-income households with free mobile data, texts, and calls. It’s a good resource for those who struggle with connectivity costs. To access support, contact a local Online Centre or participating charities to check your eligibility and learn how to apply. This programme ensures financial hardship doesn’t mean losing access to essential communication and internet services.