Phone or Broadband Price Rise: Can You Leave?
If your provider raises the price by more than your contract allows, you can usually leave without an exit fee, and new contracts must show any rises in pounds and pence.
Got a letter saying your phone, mobile or broadband bill is going up? You may be able to leave without paying an exit fee.
30 daysNotice of a rise your contract does not allow
30 daysAfter that notice to leave free
6 weeksThen you can use a free dispute scheme
When You Can Leave Free
- If the rise is bigger than your contract allows, or the contract does not say how much prices can rise, your provider must give at least 30 days' notice. You then have 30 days to leave without exit fees.
- If a planned rise was not made clear when you signed, you can leave without penalty.
- Other changes that do not benefit you need at least one month's notice, and you can leave without penalty.
The Pounds and Pence Rule
Since 17 January 2025, new contracts cannot include price rises linked to inflation or set as a percentage. Any planned rise must be shown in pounds and pence, with the date it starts. Older contracts may still have inflation-linked rises.
What to Do
- Read the price rise letter and the price terms in your contract.
- If the rise is not allowed, tell the provider in writing within 30 days that you want to leave without an exit fee.
- If it refuses, wait 6 weeks from your complaint, or until you get a final response, then use its free dispute scheme (CISAS or the Communications Ombudsman).
Price Rise: Can I Leave?Our full guideFree Letter TemplatesWrite your letter in minutesSocial TariffsCheaper broadband if you get certain benefits
Sources (checked 12 October 2026)
- Telecoms price rises: what are your rights? (Ofcom, checked 12 October 2026)
- Contracts: complain about phones or internet services (Ofcom, checked 12 October 2026)
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