If you’re on a mobile contract, you may be concerned about mid-contract price rises coming in 2025. What are these price hikes? Which networks increase prices mid-contract? And how can you avoid unexpected bills? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about mid-contract price increases in 2025, with direct links to the best SIM only deals on each network.
What Are Mid-Contract Price Rises?
Mid-contract price rises happen when your mobile provider increases your monthly bill during your current contract period. Before 2025, increases were often inflation-linked and unpredictable. Now, Ofcom requires providers to state exact fixed-price rises in pounds (£) upfront to make bills clearer.
Networks With No Mid-Contract Price Rises in 2025
If you want stable monthly bills, consider these providers that do not apply mid-contract price rises or offer rolling contracts with price guarantees:
- Giffgaff SIM Only Deals – 30-day & 18-month contracts with price freeze until the end of 2025.
- Sky Mobile – Fixed pricing guaranteed for contract length.
- Lebara SIM Only Deals, Lyca Mobile SIM Only Deals, Talk Home, Smarty SIM Only Deals, VOXI SIM Only Deals, 1pMobile SIM Only Deals, Spusu SIM Only Deals – 30-day rolling plans, no price hikes mid-term.
- Honest Mobile SIM Only Deals – Prices decrease over time (up to 30%).
- Talkmobile – No price increases in 2025.
- Asda Mobile – No set hikes, but 30-day notice is required.
Networks With Mid-Contract Price Increases in 2025
Here are the major UK networks that apply annual price rises, including the fixed amount and effective date:
| Network | Increase Date | Price Rise (SIM Only) | More Info Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE SIM Only Deals | 31 March 2025 | £1.50 per month | EE also raises handset contract prices by £4/month on newer plans. |
| Three SIM Only Deals | April 2025 | £1 to £1.50 per month | Depends on plan and data allowance; older plans had CPI-based rises. |
| Vodafone SIM Only Deals | 1 April 2025 | £1.80 per month (or £1 on Basics plans) | Standard yearly fixed price rise. |
| O2 SIM Only Deals | 1 April 2025 | £1 per month | Applies to new and some existing plans. |
What Does This Mean For You?
- If you purchased or upgraded a 24-month phone contract plan on or after 15/01/2025, you’re likely to see these fixed-price rises annually.
- If you’re a SIM Only customer or bought a contract before 14/01/2025, the fixed price rise may not apply, but CPI-linked increases could.
- Rolling monthly contracts generally do not increase prices mid-contract, giving you better control.
How to Avoid Mid-Contract Price Increases?
- Choose 30-day rolling SIM only plans from networks like Giffgaff, Smarty, or VOXI.
- Consider switching to networks with fixed-price guarantees such as Sky Mobile.
- Avoid long-term handset contracts unless you’re comfortable with small annual price rises.
- Regularly check your provider’s price rise announcements and consider switching if increases are too high.
FAQs About Mid-Contract Price Rises in 2025
Q: What is a fixed-price increase?
A: A fixed-price increase is a set amount (e.g., £1.50) your provider adds annually to your monthly bill, replacing unpredictable inflation-linked rises.
Q: Does it apply to SIM only customers?
A: Generally no, SIM only rolling plans avoid fixed-price rises.
Q: Can I switch to avoid price rises?
A: Yes, switching to a 30-day rolling SIM only plan with no fixed price rises is the best way to avoid them.
Q: What if I’m mid-contract and don’t want the price rise?
A: You can pay the increased amount or consider switching plans when your contract ends to avoid further rises.
Find the Best SIM Only Deals on Your Favourite Network
- Three SIM Only Deals
- Vodafone SIM Only Deals
- O2 SIM Only Deals
- Giffgaff SIM Only Deals
- Lebara SIM Only Deals
- Lyca Mobile SIM Only Deals
- Smarty SIM Only Deals
- VOXI SIM Only Deals
- 1pMobile SIM Only Deals
Stay informed, compare deals, and choose the best mobile plan for your needs at Olimit.co.uk.
