Mobile phone bill price rises confirmed – here are 10 ways to offset the cost (Image: Getty)
Millions of Britons will be forced to fork out more for their bills this spring after mid-contract price hikes have been confirmed.
The extra charges people face will depend on when they took out their contract, following a recent ban on inflation-linked mid-contract price hikes by industry regulator Ofgem.
Anyone with an older contract will likely see their bills rise by last week’s 2.5% figure, plus an additional percentage of typically around 3.9%.
Those who took out a contract more recently will , likely between 3% and 4%. Under Ofgem’s new rules introduced on January 17, this will now be clearly set out in their contract in ‘pounds and pence’. This aims to give customers a better understanding of future price rises so they can plan effectively.
However, there are a few ways people can reduce the cost of their bills, according to Matthew Sheeran, a money-saving expert from .
He said: “While there’s no getting away from spring’s price hikes, there are still steps mobile users can take to save on their bills. Reviewing contracts, negotiating better deals, switching providers, or applying for support schemes can all help households better manage their spending and outgoings.”
:
Some people may qualify for tariffs that can save them up to £200 a year on their mobile phone bills (Image: Getty)
Check your bill regularly
Mr Sheeran said: “Go through your mobile bill monthly to ensure all charges are correct. Providers occasionally make mistakes, such as applying the wrong tariff or adding unexpected fees.”
If there are any mistakes, people should contact their provider to dispute and resolve the issues.
Consider social tariffs
Some people might qualify for discounted broadband or mobile tariffs if they receive government support, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Mr Sheeran said: “Social tariffs are available for around 4.3 million households, saving users about £200 a year. Importantly, they are not subjected to mid-contract price rises, so you pay what you agree. They are delivered the same way as regular packages but much cheaper.”
Use WiFi whenever possible
Mr Sheeran said: “Connecting to WiFi at home, work, or in public spaces can make a huge difference to how much mobile data you use. It could also help you avoid exceeding your data allowance.”
He added: “Go to your settings as lots of apps and mobiles also allow you to prioritise using WiFi over data.”
Cap your bill
Another way to keep mobile costs low is to cap the bill. Mr Sheeran explained: “Contact your provider to set a spending cap on your account. This helps control your spending and avoid extra charges from excess usage like exceeding your data allowance, making international calls, or using premium services.”
Don’t miss… [EXPLAINED]
Review your contract
Take time to review your existing contract and check just how much you’re benefiting from the current terms.
Mr Sheeran said: “Look at whether you’re paying for features you don’t need, such as high data limits, additional services, or voicemail access. Contact your provider to tweak your plan so you only pay for what you use or need.”
Haggle for a better deal
People can save a lot of money on their bills by haggling the price. Mr Sheeran said: “Contact your provider to negotiate a better deal when your contract is nearing its end. Most are willing to offer discounts or incentives to keep you as a customer. Before you make the call, research competitor deals to use as leverage during your negotiations.”
Switch providers
If your current provider doesn’t offer a competitive deal, consider switching to a new one.
Mr Sheeran said: “You can use a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) or STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code) to switch providers seamlessly. If you use a PAC, you will even be able to keep your existing number and avoid any disruption. But beware, some providers charge early termination fees, which can be as much as the remaining balance of your contract.”
Avoid in-app purchases
In-app purchases (IAPs) are additional fees users pay within an app to access extra content, services or features. Mr Sheeran said: “IAPs are a way for app companies to make extra money from their apps and can drive up your bills without you realising until it’s too late.
“Turn off in-app purchases on your phone to stop these unexpected costs, especially if children regularly use your phone. This can usually be done in the phone’s settings or via app store restrictions.”
Pay by Direct Debit
According to Mr Sheeran, it’s around 6% cheaper for people pay their bills by direct debit and opt for paperless billing. He said: “Signing up for direct debits also means you never miss a payment, as well as avoiding late fees and harm being done to your credit score.”
Check out the National Databank
The National Databank provides low-income households with free mobile data, texts, and calls. It’s a good resource for those who struggle with connectivity costs.
Mr Sheeran said: “To access support, contact a local Online Centre or participating charities to check your eligibility and learn how to apply. This programme ensures financial hardship doesn’t mean losing access to essential communication and internet services.”