Millions of mobile phone users across the UK are set to see their monthly bills rise from April 2026, as the country's major networks implement annual price adjustments. The changes, which come into effect from 31 March, will add up to £2.50 to some customers' monthly outgoings.
Following an Ofcom ruling designed to increase transparency, providers are now required to declare potential price rises when a contract is signed. This allows consumers to understand the full cost over their plan's duration. Networks must also give customers 30 days' notice for any changes outside the agreed amounts and permit them to switch deals without facing early termination penalties.
Network-by-Network Breakdown of 2026 Increases
The scale of the increase depends on your provider and when you took out your contract. Here is a detailed summary of what to expect from the 'big four' operators.
EE will implement a £2.50 monthly increase for customers who signed contracts from 1 July 2025. Those with deals from 10 April 2024 to 30 June 2025 will see a £1.50 rise. Customers with contracts predating 10 April 2024 remain on the older terms of CPI (Consumer Price Index) plus 3.9%. Device plan costs are not affected.
O2 is increasing airtime plans by £2.50 per month, with device costs unchanged. Data-only and smartwatch plans will rise by £0.75. Customers on bundled Volt plans should check their online account for specific changes.
Three has introduced a tiered system. Plans with up to 4GB of data will increase by £1.00 monthly. Those on 5-99GB plans face a £1.25 rise, and unlimited data plans will go up by £1.50. Again, device plan prices stay the same.
Vodafone increased prices by £2.50 per month from 12 November 2025, honouring its previously agreed terms. Customers who took a plan between 2 July 2024 and 11 November 2025 will pay £1.80 more monthly. Older contracts from before 2 July 2024 remain on CPI plus 3.9%, and some legacy contracts from before 9 December 2020 use RPI (Retail Price Index).
How Smaller Providers and MVNOs Compare
Many smaller and virtual network operators are not declaring widespread price rises for 2026, offering a potential haven for cost-conscious consumers.
Providers including Sky Mobile, GiffGaff, Smarty, Tesco Mobile (for Clubcard Price deals), Asda Mobile, and Voxi have not announced any increases. iD Mobile is an exception, with a £1.50 monthly rise or CPI plus 3.9% for contracts before 1 January 2025.
The reason for fewer increases among these providers is their shorter, more flexible contract terms, often 12 months or rolling monthly. This contrasts with the typical 24-month airtime contracts from the major networks. It's worth noting that Sky Mobile and GiffGaff reserve the right to change prices but must allow customers freedom to leave if they do.
Your Action Plan: How to Avoid the Price Rises
The most effective way to sidestep these hikes is to consider switching to a SIM-only deal, especially if you already own your handset. This offers greater flexibility and significantly lower monthly costs.
For those seeking a SIM-only plan, several competitive options are available right now:
- SMARTY: 24GB data on a rolling monthly plan for £7.
- GiffGaff: 20GB data on a rolling monthly plan for £10.
- Voxi: 60GB data (with free social media data) on a rolling monthly plan for £10.
Always check network coverage in your area before switching to a virtual operator.
If you need a new handset, consider providers that separate device financing from airtime. For example, Sky Mobile offers an iPhone 17 for £25 monthly over 36 months with a £0 SIM, allowing you to source a cheap SIM separately. GiffGaff offers a similar iPhone 17 deal at £23.17 monthly with a separate, flexible £10 monthly airtime plan.
Before making any change, contact your current provider's customer service. Explain the price rise and ask if they can offer a better deal or allow you to switch to a cheaper tariff on their network without penalty. Being informed and prepared is your best defence against rising mobile costs.
