Which? responds to the news Ofcom is investigating the transparency of telecoms firms' mid-contract price rises

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: "Our research has found that some customers who signed up for a broadband contract in early 2022 could see prices soar by up to £113 in 2023 due to mid-contract price rises. It's extremely concerning that these mid-contract price rises may not have been properly advertised to customers when they signed up and we're pleased to see Ofcom investigate the issue. "Given the cost of living pressures on consumers, Which? is calling on telecoms firms to allow customers to leave their contract without penalty if prices are hiked mid-contract - regardless of whether or not these increases can be said to be 'transparent' - and to carefully consider what level of mid-contract price hikes can be justified. "It is especially important that those eligible for social tariffs do not incur any extra charges when moving to discounted tariffs - even if they are currently mid-contract. Providers also should not charge any set up costs for social tariff customers." ENDS