Yahoo Finance Virgin Media’s 13.8% broadband price increase lets customers walk
Like many other broadband providers, Virgin Media is preparing to raise prices for millions of its customers this spring. The company has said bills for broadband, TV and home phone users will increase by an average of 13.8% but, unlike its rivals’s customers, there’s something you can do about it.
Unusually for the world of broadband, Virgin Media doesn’t include an annual inflation-linked price rise in its existing contracts – something that will be changing from April. But for now, the company confirmed to Money Saving Expert that all customers facing the price increase are therefore free to leave without the usual early-termination charges that would hit those under contract. The only caveat is that customers need to contact the provider within 30 days of receiving notice of their price rise.
It’s worth noting that there is no increase for customers on Essential (the tariff for those on universal credit) and Talk Protected (a phone-only contract for over 65s with accesibility needs), and certain other vulnerable customers may also avoid a price hike. As there’s no increase, there’s no way to exit cost free.
As customers are free to leave they may be able to haggle for a lower price or other extras to get them to stay. However, they would of course have to sign up to a brand new contract, tying them to the provider for between six months and two years.
Londoners considering their options may wish to see if Hyperoptic is in the area. The firm has a Switch Now option that offers those switching from another provider up to nine months of free broadband. Intended to tempt those still under contract but worried about paying sizeable exit fees, Virgin Media’s unusual escape clause means that customers can benefit without paying either provider for a few months.
Unfortunately, coverage is still limited, especially beyond central London. To compare all the ISP options in your area, just tap your details into the Standard broadband checker and see for yourself. After all, there’s no point leaving Virgin Media if all the other options are more expensive or less speedy.
