Some mobile users are set to see their bills go up (Image: Getty Images)
Sky Mobile is set to hike prices, hitting up to one million customers starting this Friday. Out-of-contract users will be stung with a £1.50 monthly bill increase, adding an extra £18 a year from February 14.
This price rise will affect pay monthly and SIM-only Sky Mobile customers. Moreover, the cost of making calls to the EU and EEA countries will jump by 4p to 25p per minute, while calls to other international destinations will skyrocket by £1 to £3.50 per minute.
Texting charges internationally, outside Europe, are also on the rise, with prices soaring by 20p to 95p per message, and sending picture messages to UK numbers will now set customers back 95p, marking a 15p hike. Even subscribers to the International Saver Plan won’t escape unscathed, facing a £1 increase in their fees, bringing it to £4 a month, as reported by the
However, those within their contract period can breathe easy, as they won’t be affected by these price hikes. has pointed out that around one million of Sky Mobile’s customers are out of contract and will therefore bear the brunt of these increased costs.
A Sky Mobile spokesperson has said: “We always aim to provide an outstanding service alongside some of the best value plans on the market. To ensure we can continue to invest in our services and deliver a great experience, the majority of our out of contract customers will see their monthly bill increase by £1.50 in February.”
Ofcom has taken decisive action against broadband and mobile companies imposing mid-contract price hikes linked to inflation, dictating that customers must be informed explicitly in “pounds and pence” about the yearly cost increments stipulated in their contracts. Even Sky Mobile, famed for shunning inflation-linked price increases, succumbed last year, raising its charges by £1 to £3 per month based on the data plan.
To trim down your mobile and broadband bills – if your contract is nearly up, it’s a prime moment to shop around and scrutinise prices. Gauge your actual use of minutes, texts, and data to land a deal that truly suits your lifestyle.
With broadband, ponder whether your current speed is excessive and whether you’re splurging on allowances or features that you don’t actually utilise. Remember, if your contract has ended, shifting providers is always an option. Alternatively, engage your current provider in negotiations, particularly as your contract’s end looms over the horizon. When bargaining, trot out the competitive deals you’ve encountered and challenge them to match or even undercut those offerings.