Ofcom launches review into mid-contract price rises

Ofcom has launched a review into whether mid-contract price rises by telcos give customers sufficient certainty about their finances.

The cost-of-living crisis has made budgeting more important than ever as households feel the squeeze and many get pushed into financial difficulties.

In the UK, telcos are free to include a clause in their agreements that allow for inflation-linked price rises mid-contract. Some providers guarantee not to increase their prices mid-contract...

9 February 2023 | 5G

Failure to respond to cost of living crisis threatens telecoms sector

The rise in the cost-of-living has driven consumers to re-adjust spending priorities. Telcos’ failure to respond to this changing mindset is now the biggest threat facing the industry, according to the annual EY report, Top 10 risks in telecommunications 2023.

With consumer spending under increasing pressure, EY research shows that 60% of households are worried about rising broadband subscription prices, and nearly half (45%) believe they overpay for content...

8 December 2022 | Research

Ofcom politely asks ISPs not to raise broadband prices

British telecoms regulator Ofcom has given a polite notice to ISPs not to raise their broadband prices.

Self-inflicted economic chaos aside, the UK is – like many countries – in the grips of a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation is expected to hit 11 percent in October and food inflation is at the highest rate ever recorded.

Overall, the hit to UK household spending power is the biggest for at least 30 years.

Most companies are under strain from higher running...

29 September 2022 | Broadband

BT staff begin strike action over below-inflation pay rises

BT staff have begun strike action across the country in a row over below-inflation pay rises.

UK RPI inflation has reached 11.7 percent and is set to increase further later in the year. Many employers have offered pay rises to help ensure their staff aren’t left substantially worse off at the end of each month.

BT, for its part, offered its staff a £1,500 pay increase to help with the cost of living crisis. However, it’s been called a “weak, insulting” pay deal...

29 July 2022 | Broadband

Virgin Media O2 increases data-free services list to help with the cost-of-living crisis

Virgin Media O2 has boosted its list of services that customers can access for free as part of its efforts to support people during the cost-of-living crisis.

Virgin Media O2 customers will now be able to access the National Debtline, Business Debtline, Turn2us, Debt Advice Foundation, and National Energy Action without using any of their mobile data.

National Energy Action Chief Executive Adam Scorer says: “The energy crisis is already making life difficult for...

21 July 2022 | Operators

UK Government asks ISPs to promote social tariffs amid cost of living crisis

The UK Government is asking the country’s ISPs to promote social tariffs amid the cost of living crisis.

Low-cost social tariffs are offered to households receiving certain benefits to help close the “digital divide” and ensure that everyone has access to the work and social opportunities that connectivity brings.

However, data from British telecoms regulator Ofcom suggests that under two percent of eligible people are taking up social tariffs—meaning they’re...

4 April 2022 | Broadband