Ofcom enacted new broadband rules this year, banning inflation-linked and percentage-based price rises in new contracts and ensuring that increases are prominently stated in pounds and pence on contracts and advertising. Despite this, some providers are exploiting loopholes to charge their customers.
If you plan on switching broadband providers in 2025, check out our guide to avoiding hidden fees and securing a cost-effective transition.
Understanding Common Hidden Charges
Providers often use router rental charges by loaning you the router for ‘free’ before charging you monthly rental fees that can quietly increase your payments by £5-10. Many are still using add-on extras, and the ban may not cover charges for services like router insurance or antivirus. These can be added via optional extras, free trials, or default tick boxes and are not limited by the new caps.
Broadband providers are legally obligated to let you leave penalty-free if a price hike wasn’t clearly stated upfront. However, this only applies to the core subscription, not to extras or bundles, which can lead to high potential costs. Some still sign up customers for unwanted services by default despite the Ofcom ban.
Navigating Mid-Contract Price Increases
Mid-contract price rises can result in your price being increased in line with inflation, plus a few additional inflation points. Seemingly cheap deals can become a financial burden after six to 12 months, so when you switch broadband providers, prioritise transparency.
If your new provider fails to meet Ofcom’s new transparency rules, you don’t have to deal with inflation-linked formulas burning a hole in your wallet. You’re legally entitled to cancel your contract without penalty.
Avoiding Unwanted Add-Ons and Trials
Watch for unwanted add-ons and free trials that can quietly raise your monthly bill. Many providers offer free trials for extras like tech support and McAfee Multi Access antivirus software, but these often auto-renew into paid subscriptions unless you cancel them in time. What starts as a “free” service could cost you £6–£8 per month, adding up over a year to potentially over £100.
Onestream was recently exposed for automatically enrolling customers into anti-virus software. Similarly, POP Telecom was caught offering router breakdown protection for free for two months before charging customers £2.50 per month, totalling £30 for the year.
Before agreeing to any deal, review the fine print to ensure you understand the included extras. Some providers pre-select boxes for optional services during the sign-up process. Make sure to opt-out if you don’t want them to be selected automatically, and keep an eye on your first few bills to spot any unexpected charges. If you’re unsure whether a service has been added, contact your provider and request that it be cancelled immediately.