Telecoms experts have issued a stark warning to mobile phone users, declaring that "staying out of contract is more dangerous than ever" as new inflation data triggers significant bill increases for millions of customers.
Inflation Data Fuels Spring Price Hikes
Fresh analysis from comparison service Uswitch.com reveals that 8 million broadband and mobile customers will face increased bills this spring, adding up to an expected £17.4 million per month collectively. This follows the latest Office for National Statistics data showing the Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.4% in the 12 months to December 2025, up from 3.2% in November.
Telecoms Expert Issues Urgent Consumer Advice
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, explained: "Today's CPI announcement is another piece of the puzzle in April's price hikes. For the estimated 8 million mobile and broadband customers still on older inflation-linked contracts, these increases will add an expected £17.4 million monthly to household bills this spring."
Doku highlighted the changing landscape following Ofcom's rule changes: "While those who switched recently benefit from the transparency of fixed 'pounds and pence' rises, many of these newer hikes are actually proportionally higher than the current rate of inflation."
The Critical Importance of Switching Deals
The expert emphasised that consumers must be proactive to "reset the clock" by switching to new deals. "Even with a £4 monthly rise, switching is almost always cheaper than staying on an expired plan as compounding price increases can snowball year after year," Doku stated.
He provided clear guidance for affected customers: "If today's announcement affects you, it's more likely your contract is nearing its end date or has already expired. This means you're likely free to switch and save."
Practical Steps to Avoid Costly Bills
For those still in contract, Doku advised: "Set a reminder for your end date now so you can switch immediately and avoid paying costly out-of-contract rates." He also highlighted providers offering more stable pricing: "There are providers like VOXI, Lebara, and SMARTY for mobiles, or Trooli and YouFibre for broadband, who currently commit to no mid-contract price rises at all."
Significant Potential Savings for Proactive Users
The analysis reveals substantial potential savings for those willing to switch. According to Uswitch.com research, out-of-contract customers could save an average of £203 annually by switching to a new broadband package, and as much as £321 by moving to a SIM-only deal if their handset contract has expired.
Doku concluded with a straightforward recommendation: "It only takes a few minutes to run a comparison and find a better deal. With inflation continuing to impact telecoms pricing, taking control of your contract status has never been more financially important."
