Annual price adjustments explained
Every tariff rises once a year. Here's exactly how the increase is calculated on each network and how much notice you get.
A SIM only price is a starting price, not a fixed price. Every network applies an annual increase, and the way that increase is worked out differs from network to network. Here is how each one does it, when it lands, and how to factor it into a fair comparison.
Key takeaways
- All tariffs are subject to one increase a year.
- Prices rise by £1.50 a month each April on EE, Vodafone and O2 contracts.
- The applicable adjustment is set out in your mobile agreement.
- You get at least 30 days' notice of any price or tariff change.
A SIM only price is a starting price, not a fixed price. Every network applies an annual increase, and the way that increase is worked out differs from network to network. Here is how each one does it, when it lands, and how to factor it into a fair comparison.
Key takeaways
- All tariffs are subject to one increase a year.
- Prices rise by £1.50 a month each April on all networks.
Prices rise by £1.50 a month each April on EE, Vodafone and O2 during the contract. Starting prices are not fixed for the term.
- You get at least 30 days' notice of any price or tariff change.
How the increase is calculated
All contracts rise by £1.50 a month each April, with at least 30 days' notice.
Prices rise by £1.50 a month each April on EE, Vodafone and O2 during the contract. Starting prices are not fixed for the term.
- O2 — £1.50 a month rise each April
- Vodafone — £1.50 a month rise each April
Prices rise by £1.50 a month each April on EE, Vodafone and O2 during the contract. Starting prices are not fixed for the term.
The notice you get
At least 30 days' notice is given before any price change takes effect. That notice applies to tariff changes as well as price changes, so you are told before anything on your plan moves.
Keep the notification. It is the simplest record of what your monthly charges was before the change and what it becomes afterwards.
What it means over a 24 month term
A 24 month agreement spans two anniversaries, so a headline price will normally move twice before the term ends. This is true of every network and of buying direct as well as buying through us, which is why comparisons are fairest when they line up starting prices on like-for-like allowances.
Prices rise by £1.50 a month each April on EE, Vodafone and O2 during the contract. Starting prices are not fixed for the term.
How to compare fairly
Compare the starting monthly price on the same data allowance and the same term, then treat the annual increase as a known feature of every plan rather than a differentiator. A saving at the starting price does not guarantee the same cash difference after annual adjustments.
Our deal pages show the starting price ex VAT first, with inc VAT alongside, and where we can we show the same allowance at the network's own published price for context.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave if my price goes up?
The increase is a contractual term of the tariff rather than a change imposed outside the agreement, so leaving before the minimum term ends still triggers the usual early termination or cease fee. Check your notification and your terms before requesting a cease.
Does the increase apply to 30 day rolling plans too?
All tariffs are subject to the annual increase, with at least 30 days' notice. On a 30 day term you have the flexibility to change plan, but a £30 cease fee applies if the connection is disconnected within 24 months of activation.
Is the increase applied to the ex VAT or inc VAT price?
The increase is £1.50 including VAT each April, equivalent to £1.25 excluding VAT at 20%. Business prices show both amounts.
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave if my price goes up?
The increase is a contractual term of the tariff rather than a change imposed outside the agreement, so leaving before the minimum term ends still triggers the usual early termination or cease fee. Check your notification and your terms before asking to cancel.
Does the increase apply to 30 day rolling plans too?
All tariffs are subject to the annual increase, with at least 30 days' notice. On a 30 day term you have the flexibility to change plan, but a £30 cease fee applies if the plan is cancelled within 24 months of activation.
Is the increase applied to the ex VAT or inc VAT price?
The increase is £1.50 including VAT each April, equivalent to £1.25 excluding VAT at 20%. Both prices are shown so businesses can budget correctly.
Deals mentioned in this guide
Prices are shown ex VAT first, with inc VAT alongside, and show the saving against the network’s own published price where a like-for-like plan exists.
O2 Unlimited
Unlimited streaming and tethering
£15/month inc VAT
Price per user. Starting price — rises by £1.50 each April during the contract
Compared against O2 direct, you save £192 over the 24 month term at starting prices
That’s £8/month less than their £23 price for the same allowance. Annual increases are excluded from this estimate.
Unlimited
Data
24 months
Contract
Vodafone Unlimited
Unlimited streaming and tethering
£17/month inc VAT
Price per user. Starting price — rises by £1.50 each April during the contract
Compared against Vodafone direct, you save £215.76 over the 24 month term at starting prices
That’s £8.99/month less than their £25.99 price for the same allowance. Annual increases are excluded from this estimate.
Unlimited
Data
24 months
Contract