‘I’m a broadband expert – 5 checks to make now to stop your bill ballooning in 2026′ | Personal Finance | Finance
With many broadband providers set to add fixed increases from April 2026, Brits have been urged to make five key checks to avoid facing a ballooning bill.
From April 2026, Vodafone will introduce a fixed £3 monthly increase, and Three Broadband will add a £2 monthly increase to new and existing broadband contracts. Customers starting or renewing contracts risk a scheduled price jump if their minimum term crosses this date. However, a simple five-point check can save customers hundreds over the term. Shay Ramani, money-saving expert and founder and managing director of Free Price Compare, shared five tips to avoid Wi-Fi bill price hikes this year.
Check mid-contract price-change clauses
The first tip Mr Ramani proposed to look for on broadband deals signed before April 2026 was “whether the price can rise mid-contract”. He urged customers to check exactly how much their bill could increase by, when the rise applies, and whether it repeats every year.
“Providers are moving from vague ‘CPI plus X’ wording to fixed increases,” Mr Ramani said.
Referencing the £3 monthly increase at Vodafone and £2 at Three Broadband, he said that, on a £30 plan, that pushes bills to £33, adding up significantly over a year.
He said: “If the contract says ‘each April’ or mentions a schedule, factor in a second rise next year. Only proceed if the summary and small print match exactly.”
Contract timing relative to April 2026
“Whether your contract covers April 2026 determines if you’ll actually pay the rise,” Mr Ramani said.
Those with minimum terms ending before April will avoid the cost; however, if it runs past April, this will almost certainly result in an increased charge.
“For example, a 12-month plan starting May 2025 avoids April 2026 entirely, but a 24-month plan does not,” Mr Ramani said.
He stressed the importance of setting reminders – one 60 days before the contract ends to research options, and one 30 days before to switch or renegotiate.
Thirty-six percent of dual-play customers were out of contract at mid-2024 and ended up paying 18% more than those in contract.
Mr Ramani said that the goal is simple: “Plan to exit or recontract before any increase hits your bill.”
Find escape routes in the small print
Look for ways to exit if terms or service quality change.
“Providers must give at least 30 days’ notice and allow cancellation for materially detrimental changes,” the consumer finance and money-saving expert said.
He stressed that customers should make sure any April 2026 price rise is clearly stated and, if it is not, they should be able to leave without penalty.
He added: “Also, confirm guaranteed minimum speeds and what happens if the service consistently falls short.
“Look for clear price‑lock wording like ‘No in-contract rises’ or ‘Price fixed for the minimum term,’ and watch for vague clauses such as ‘we may vary charges,’ which could undermine protections.”
Be aware of the optimal haggle window
Mr Ramani advised that the ideal time to haggle is about 25–40 days before the contract ends and after the end-of-contract notice arrives.
He said: “Prepare a precise ask: compare competitors’ prices for the same speed, include any bill credits or cashback, and request a price match with a documented lock for your minimum term.”
Mentioning any April 2026 rises and requesting that they be removed or offset is acceptable, according to Mr Ramani. If the agent cannot meet a requested target, he said customers can ask to be transferred to the disconnections team to confirm the end date and avoid out-of-contract charges.
“This timing often gives you the best chance of a lower rate,” Mr Ramani said.
Calculate the real total cost after incentives and social tariffs
Ultimately, Mr Ramani urged customers not to simply look at the advertised price, but to also consider activation, delivery, and engineer fees, subtract bill credits, and treat retailer gift cards as realistic cash values.
The expert said: “Include router return or cancellation fees. Check social tariffs too – they usually cost £12–£23 a month and can save around £220 a year, often with no rises or exit fees.”
Mr Ramani said it’s always worth checking about eligibility to switch mid-contract.
“If the all-in monthly cost isn’t lower than rivals after this audit, don’t sign, no matter how attractive the headline price looks.”
