Broadband customers face £48-a-year bill shock in April despite being locked into contracts

Millions of broadband customers could be paying an extra £48 a year for their internet connection from next April, even if they are still tied into an existing contract.

The warning comes as consumer campaigners step up demands for an outright ban on mid-contract price rises, which can leave households paying considerably more than the monthly amount they originally signed up for.

Broadband comparison service Broadband Genie estimates that price increases in 2026 will generate almost £186 million in additional payments from affected UK customers, and fears the burden could grow further in 2027.

With household budgets already under pressure, the company is encouraging customers to check what they are paying and whether they could save money by switching. You can compare broadband deals and check whether you could save money before the next round of increases.

Why could broadband bills increase again in April 2027?

Many broadband providers include annual price increases in their contracts, typically taking effect in March or April.

An increase of £4 a month might initially seem relatively modest, but it adds £48 to the annual cost of a broadband connection. For someone paying £25 a month, that represents a 16% increase.

The controversial practice means customers can find themselves paying more before their minimum contract period has ended, even when they have committed to an 18-month or 24-month deal.

Not every provider increases prices in this way, and the amount customers pay will depend on their contract.

Didn't Ofcom already ban broadband price rises?

Regulator Ofcom introduced tougher rules in January 2025, banning inflation-linked and percentage-based price rises in new broadband, mobile and pay-TV contracts.

However, the changes did not prohibit mid-contract increases altogether. Instead, providers must clearly explain any scheduled rises in pounds and pence before customers sign up.

Additional voluntary commitments from broadband providers have been introduced to improve consumer protection, but Broadband Genie believes stronger action is needed.

Its campaign calls for mid-contract price rises to be banned outright rather than simply requiring providers to disclose them in advance.

Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie, said: "Bill payers have suffered from these unfair price hikes for long enough. Mid-contract price rises cause nothing but confusion, stress, and extra financial pressure during a cost of living crisis.

"If Ofcom wants to bring true transparency to telecom billing, the solution is obvious. Ban these absurd mid-contract price rises for good."

Can you avoid the next broadband price increase?

The first step is to check your existing broadband agreement, particularly the monthly price, minimum contract end date and any scheduled annual increases.

Customers who are already out of contract are generally free to switch to another provider without an early termination charge and may be able to secure a cheaper package.

Those still within their minimum contract period should check whether they would face an exit fee.

Under Ofcom rules, customers can normally leave without a penalty if their provider introduces a price increase that was not specified in their agreement, or raises prices beyond the amount previously agreed.

However, a scheduled increase that was clearly included when the contract was signed will not normally give customers an automatic right to cancel without charges.

If your contract is coming to an end, it is worth checking the latest broadband deals available in your area to see whether another provider could offer better value.

How can you support the campaign to stop broadband price rises?

Broadband Genie is calling on the Government and Ofcom to intervene before more households face annual increases.

The company has launched a campaign encouraging customers to challenge the practice and support an outright ban on mid-contract price hikes.

Consumers can sign Broadband Genie's petition calling for an end to mid-contract broadband price rises.

For households worried about another increase next spring, checking their existing contract now could help them understand what they will be paying in 2027 and whether a better deal is available.