It’s time to make a stand and shine a light on the unfair practices when it comes to in-contract price rises from broadband providers.
Our CEO, Richard Cameron, has written to Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, laying out his contempt for the way in-contract price rises are evolving into daylight robbery.
Bigger bills, not better clarity
While many of the legacy broadband providers have publicly agreed to a new Telecoms Consumer Charter, pledging transparency and fairness with “pounds and pence” price rises, the Charter allows them to completely undermine the spirit of what was intended. Many have used this change to hit consumers in the wallet with even bigger price rises than before – with over 20% in some cases.
These rises are about to hit hard, with most being added to bills in March and April each year – not just once “mid-contract” as many providers would have you believe.
We understand that businesses may want protection against rising inflation, but broadband contracts are capped at 24 months, so companies aren’t taking on a long-term risk. There’s no reason providers can’t be upfront and offer a fixed price for that period. That way, customers know exactly what they’re signing up for and, if prices do go up, they’re treated fairly and given the option to leave without being hit with hefty penalties. Instead, we’re seeing inflation-busting in-contract increases that simply aren’t necessary – and customers are paying the price.
It’s time for action
Here at Grain, we don’t do in-contract price rises. Never have. Never will. We are calling for other providers to step up and do the right thing – setting out their prices fairly and transparently and keeping them fixed throughout the duration of their contract.
We want to raise awareness, call out the bad behaviour and push the government to take action against this exploitation of working people, who deserve better.
Read the open letter
Read Richard’s open letter to Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, in full.
If you’re concerned about unfair in-contract price rises, you can make your voice heard too by writing to Liz Kendall and urging action.