A mobile contract can still include scheduled price rises. The important change is how those rises must be presented in new UK contracts: from 17 January 2025, an applicable increase in the core subscription price must be stated upfront in pounds and pence, with its timing made clear. New contracts must not use inflation-linked or percentage-based terms for that core price.
Check the contract start date
| Contract | What you may see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| New contract from 17 January 2025 | A specified rise in pounds and pence, where the provider includes one | Add every stated rise to the full-term calculation |
| Older contract | Possibly inflation-linked or percentage wording | Read the original clause and the provider’s notice |
| Later proposed change not already specified | A new notice from the provider | Check whether exit rights apply; do not treat it as the same as an agreed scheduled rise |
Calculate the real total
Illustrative example only. A 24-month contract starts at £30 per month and states that it will rise by £2 in month 10 and another £2 in month 22:
- months 1–9: 9 × £30 = £270;
- months 10–21: 12 × £32 = £384;
- months 22–24: 3 × £34 = £102;
- monthly-payment total: £756.
Add any upfront amount and other compulsory payments. Multiplying £30 by 24 would understate the commitment.
Can you leave because the price rises?
Not automatically. If the exact rise was clearly included in the contract you accepted, the occurrence of that rise does not normally create a new free-exit right by itself.
A later change that was not part of the agreed terms is a different situation. Ofcom rules may require notice and a right to exit without extra charges where a provider changes contractual conditions, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions. Read the notice and the original clause, and complain to the provider if they do not match.
What the rule does not guarantee
- It does not ban all in-contract rises.
- It does not set a maximum rise.
- It does not rewrite the wording of every older contract.
- It does not make the opening monthly price the full-term average.
Check which part of the bill rises
A combined payment may contain airtime, device finance and optional extras. The contract should make clear which core subscription price is affected. Do not apply an airtime rise to a fixed device payment unless the documents say that component changes.
Discounts can make the bill harder to read
Example: a provider may show a standard price and a fixed discount. If the underlying price rises while the discount remains unchanged, the amount paid can still increase. Calculate from the figures and dates in the summary rather than assuming “£5 off” means the final bill stays fixed.
Older contracts need their original wording
Do not apply the 2025 presentation rule retrospectively to rewrite an older agreement. Retrieve the original contract and notices. If the price or method differs from what was agreed, raise the discrepancy with the provider.
Keep evidence
Save the contract summary, full terms and price-change notice. If the provider’s calculation is unclear, ask for a breakdown showing the old price, new price, affected component and effective date.
Checks before signing
- What is the initial core subscription price?
- By exactly how many pounds and pence will it rise?
- On what date or dates?
- Does the rise apply to airtime, device payments or both?
- Does a discount remain fixed while the underlying price rises?
- What will every phase of the contract cost?
Check your own contract wording
Do not compare offers until each scheduled rise has been added. Use the the contract-cost calculation guide and keep a copy of the contract summary.
Related guidance: Phone Deals and Contracts links this topic to the next practical step. Use the Phone Contract Cost Guide for the complete end-to-end decision.
Sources and fact-checking
Facts checked: 25 July 2026.
