Millions of UK households are facing another round of broadband price increases in 2026, as major providers implement their annual mid-contract hikes. Following a landmark ruling from regulator Ofcom, the communication around these rises is now clearer, but the impact on wallets remains significant.
For contracts taken out in 2025, the exact increase in pounds and pence must now be declared upfront, moving away from the old model linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This transparency allows customers to know what to expect. Furthermore, if a provider tries to increase prices beyond the declared amount, they must give customers 30 days' notice and the right to leave without any early termination fees.
Confirmed Broadband Price Increases for 2026
The scheduled increases will take effect from 31 April 2026 for customers who signed up for deals in 2025. The hikes are a fixed monthly sum, meaning those on cheaper packages will feel the relative pinch more sharply. Here is the breakdown for the major providers:
- BT - £4 a month increase
- EE - £4 a month increase
- Plusnet - £4 a month increase
- TalkTalk - £4 a month increase
- Virgin Media - £4 a month increase
- Vodafone - £3.50 a month increase
- Hyperoptic - £3 a month increase
- Three - £2 a month increase
- Community Fibre - £2 a month increase
Not all providers have specified their 2026 rises. Sky and Now Broadband (which uses Sky's network) state that prices may rise during the contract but do not declare the amount. In these cases, Ofcom rules mean they must inform customers and allow them to exit penalty-free if they do implement an increase.
It's crucial to check your contract's small print, as some older deals from early 2025 may have a lower £3 increase, and a minority of packages are sold at a truly fixed price.
How to Beat the Broadband Price Rises
With annual increases potentially adding up to £48 to your yearly bill, switching provider can be a savvy financial move. The good news is that many companies now offer incentives to cover your switching costs.
For those locked into a contract, EE is currently offering up to £300 to cover early exit fees from your current provider. Its cheapest Full Fibre plan starts at £28.99 per month for 74Mbps, but stepping up to 100Mbps for £29.99 often represents better value.
If you're looking for the lowest monthly cost, Plusnet frequently tops the charts. Its 74Mbps Full Fibre service is priced at £22.99 monthly and comes with strong customer reviews. It's also worth checking if Community Fibre is available in your area, as it offers 300Mbps for just £21 a month in its coverage zones.
For households wanting a TV bundle, Sky provides significant savings when services are combined. While standalone 100Mbps broadband starts at £26, adding a basic TV package can bring the effective broadband cost down to around £20 a month for a faster 150Mbps connection. Sky also provides a £200 switching incentive.
Shoppers whose only full fibre option is Virgin Media will find its M132 broadband package starting at £23.99 per month. Virgin Media often runs promotional bundles, such as including free smart glasses, but the core broadband deal remains competitive for those not on the BT Openreach network.
Choosing the Right Broadband Speed for Your Home
Amidst the deals and price rises, it's easy to overpay for speed you don't need. For typical use like streaming in 4K, browsing, and working from home, a 100Mbps connection is more than sufficient for most families. Netflix, for example, recommends just 15Mbps for 4K streaming.
Before blaming your broadband for slow speeds, diagnose your home Wi-Fi. Run a wired speed test directly to your router, then compare it to a Wi-Fi test in different rooms. Often, the issue is poor Wi-Fi coverage, not the broadband speed itself. Investing in a better router or mesh system can be a more cost-effective solution than upgrading to a pricier, faster broadband package.
By understanding the upcoming price changes, exploring switching incentives, and honestly assessing your speed needs, you can navigate the 2026 broadband price hikes without overpaying.
