Price hikes for Plusnet and Vodafone broadband customers

Plusnet and Vodafone have announced that some of their broadband prices will rise in December, and some customers could see charges increase by 21%.

Plusnet's line rental costs are increasing, as are the costs associated with six of its broadband-only packages. Meanwhile, Vodafone's fibre deals are also going up.

If you're unhappy with the new prices, you may be able to cancel your contract penalty-fee if you act within 30 days of receiving notification.

We've surveyed more than 7,000 broadband customers about their experiences with 12 of the biggest providers. See how Plusnet and Vodafone stack up against the others in our guide to the best and worst broadband providers of 2019.

How are Plusnet prices changing?

Plusnet customers who have a phone line as part of their package will see line rental fees rise by £1 a month. The brand's line rental saver option for those who pay upfront will increase to £209.88 - currently this costs £197.88 a year.

Price increases to specific broadband deals only affect Plusnet's packages that do not include line rental. Plusnet says it will also stop offering broadband packages without line rental to new customers from December.

The prices for the following broadband packages are all going up by £2 a month:

• Unlimited Broadband (without phone)
• Unlimited Fibre (without phone)
• Unlimited Fibre Extra (without phone)
• Plusnet Essentials with 10GB allowance (without phone)
• Plusnet Extra with 60GB allowance (without phone)
• Plusnet Value with 10GB allowance (without phone)

The average price increase is 12%, though some customers will see their deal increase in price by 21%. The new prices will come into place from December 3.

How are Vodafone prices changing?

Vodafone is raising prices for fibre broadband customers who took their deal out before June 30 this year.

The prices for the following broadband packages are rising by £2.50 a month.

• Superfast 1
• Superfast 2

The average price increase for customers with these deals is 12%.

Vodafone has said that customers who opt to renew their contact with the provider will continue to pay the same price they currently pay.

What to do if your broadband price is going up

If you're affected and feel unhappy with the increased price of your broadband package, you have two options: switch to a new provider or negotiate with the one you have.

Finding a new broadband provider is simple - use Which? Switch Broadband to find the best broadband deal where you live. If you find it tricky choosing between different deals, use our broadband provider reviews to find out how satisfied customers of each provider are with speed, connection reliability and customer service.

Luckily, the process of switching broadband is a simple one - learn more in our guide on how to switch broadband provider.

Negotiate with your broadband provider

If you're happy with the service you get from your provider, you can use these price rises as an opportunity to negotiate. Vodafone has already acknowledged that customers who are willing to sign up to a new fixed-term contract will not have their price hiked - most providers expect and invite negotiation, especially when prices go up.

Haggling can sound daunting, but the majority of those who try it are successful - and most say it's easy, too.

For a step-by-step guide on how to do it, read our tips on how to haggle for the best broadband deal.

Our research has shown that loyal broadband customers are likely to pay more for their broadband than customers who regularly switch or haggle - this is thanks to a combination of price rises and the higher tariffs charged when customers are out of contract.