This year, Ofcom implemented new broadband rules that ban inflation-linked and percentage-based price increases in new contracts. It also requires that any price increases be clearly stated in pounds and pence on contracts and advertisements. However, some providers are still finding ways to exploit loopholes and charge their customers unfairly.
If you’re planning to switch broadband providers in 2025, take a look at our guide to avoiding hidden fees and ensuring a smooth, cost-effective transition.
Understanding Common Hidden Charges
Providers often offer routers ‘free’ on loan, only to later impose monthly rental fees that can quietly raise your payments by £5-10. Many people still use add-on extras, and the ban might not cover charges for services like router insurance or antivirus. Many people continue to use add-on extras, and the ban may not apply to charges for services such as router insurance or antivirus. These can be included through optional extras, free trials, or pre-selected tick boxes, and are not affected by the new caps.
Broadband providers are required by law to allow you to leave without penalty if a price increase wasn’t clearly communicated upfront. However, this rule only applies to the main subscription, not to additional extras or bundles, which can result in significant extra costs. Some still sign up customers for unwanted services by default despite the Ofcom ban.
Navigating Mid-Contract Price Increases
Mid-contract price hikes could lead to an increase in your price based on inflation, along with a few extra points added for inflation. What appears to be a cheap deal can quickly turn into a financial strain after six to twelve months, so when switching broadband providers, make transparency your top priority.
If your new provider fails to meet Ofcom’s new transparency rules, you don’t have to deal with inflation-linked formulas burning a hole in your wallet. You’re legally entitled to cancel your contract without penalty.
Avoiding Unwanted Add-Ons and Trials
Be cautious of unwanted add-ons and free trials that could quietly increase your monthly bill. Many providers offer free trials for services like tech support and McAfee Multi Access antivirus, but these often auto-renew into paid subscriptions if you don’t cancel them in time. What starts as a “free” service could cost you £6–£8 per month, adding up over a year to potentially over £100.
Onestream was recently revealed to be automatically signing up customers for antivirus software. Likewise, POP Telecom was found to offer router breakdown protection for free for the first two months, then charge customers £2.50 per month, amounting to £30 annually.
Before agreeing to any deal, review the fine print to ensure you understand the included extras. Some providers automatically tick boxes for optional services during the sign-up process. Make sure to opt-out if you don’t want them to be selected automatically and keep an eye on your first few bills to spot any unexpected charges. If you’re unsure whether a service has been added to your account, it’s always best to contact your provider directly as soon as possible. Reach out to them and request confirmation of any additional services, and if one has been added without your consent, ask them to cancel it immediately to avoid any unnecessary charges. It’s essential to keep a record of your communication for future use.
Blog as received in the mail
