Virgin Media has announced an increase in its mid-contract price adjustment for both new customers and those renewing their contracts. Starting on October 2, individuals entering into a new agreement or extending their current one will experience a £4 monthly raise halfway through their contract term. This adjustment, set to take effect from April next year, replaces the previous £3.50 mid-contract price increase for existing Virgin Media clients.
Current customers will remain unaffected by the heightened price rise until they finalize their existing contract terms. The price modification aligns with Virgin Media’s recent updates, which include the incorporation of Netflix with advertisements as a standard feature on plans offering speeds exceeding 500Mbps, along with enhanced TV bundles.
According to a spokesperson from Virgin Media, subscribers opting for the latest packages, featuring added benefits like Netflix in all TV bundles and complimentary Sky Sports in HD, can anticipate a £4 monthly price hike each April.
Ernest Doku, a broadband expert at Uswitch, noted that Virgin Media has raised its fixed mid-contract price increase to £4 per month, up from the previous £3.50, within a year. The adjustment will apply to new and renewing customers starting from October 2, resulting in an additional £8 per month by April 2027 due to the provider’s shift to 24-month minimum contracts earlier this year.
The shift in pricing mirrors similar moves by BT, EE, and Plusnet, all of which have introduced £4 monthly mid-contract price rises for new customers. Customers without ongoing contracts are advised to compare prices online to potentially secure better deals elsewhere. Evaluating current broadband speed requirements and considering downgrading to save costs is also recommended.
For customers hesitant to switch providers, negotiating with the existing service provider to lower the bill is a viable option. Timing negotiations near the contract expiration or after a price increase announcement can yield better results. Some customers may be eligible to exit contracts penalty-free in response to mid-contract price adjustments, although pre-existing price rise clauses in contracts may limit this option. Additionally, individuals receiving benefits are encouraged to explore potentially cost-saving social tariff options.
Overall, the telecommunications industry is seeing a trend of mid-contract price rises, prompting customers to review their options and make informed decisions to ensure cost-effectiveness and value in their service subscriptions.