'Best-kept secret' to slash Sky, Virgin, BT broadband bills before 2026 price rises

Broadband costs have not escaped the pressures of the rising cost of living crisis, and to address the unpredictability of inflation-linked price hikes, Ofcom amended regulations surrounding mid-contract home broadband price increases last year. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean your bills won't continue to climb.

Indeed, most of the major providers, including Sky, BT, Virgin, Plusnet and others, are preparing to raise their prices either on the final day of March or the opening day of April. However, one expert insisted customers needn't simply accept them.

Catherine Hiley, managing editor of broadband and utilities at Go Compare, said: "Last year, Ofcom banned broadband providers from inflation-linked percentage hikes, but providers are now using fixed, upfront 'pounds and pence' increases which you agree to when you sign up. This means that although customers will still see price increases in March and April each year, they will know exactly how much they are expected to pay additionally, instead of more arbitrary, percentage-based cost spikes to their bill.

"BT, Plusnet and EE will see price hikes coming from March 31, 2026, while Virgin, Hyperoptic, Vodafone, Three, Sky and TalkTalk take effect on April 1, 2026. Price changes vary between providers but range from £3 to £4 (per month)."

She encouraged people to verify details with their provider to grasp price variations, as these can differ slightly depending on when you commenced your contract.