Many affected subscribers now have just seven days remaining to cancel their agreements
Sky Mobile customers are facing a shock announcement hitting them partway through their contracts.
Many affected subscribers now have just seven days remaining to cancel their agreements and avoid any penalties as the firm gears up to hit thousands with a mid-contract price hike. In a first for over seven years, Sky has announced it will raise monthly charges for both in-contract and out-of-contract customers starting from February 14. The majority are set to face a £1.50 monthly increase – approximately 8% of tariffs will rise by £1, while around 2% will experience a £3 hike.
This means those on cheaper SIM-only packages could witness their monthly costs soar by as much as 25% from what they originally agreed to – a painful blow for families already grappling with the mounting cost of living crisis.
Ernest Doku, a mobile phone specialist at Uswitch.com, has cautioned that the opportunity to sidestep the increase is rapidly running out.
“While the new rates don’t hit bills until February 14, the right to walk away penalty-free expires just 30 days after you were notified, which, for many, is now just a week away,” he said.
“This is a ‘use it or lose it’ right – and the clock is ticking.”
Sky doesn’t spell out future price increases in exact figures when customers initially sign up. Rather, it maintains the right to modify prices during contracts and is obliged to permit customers to terminate penalty-free within 30 days of being informed – the escape clause many consumer champions are now encouraging people to use.
That stands in stark contrast to numerous competitors, who must now clearly outline any future price increases at the point of signing – though this requirement from Ofcom only applies to fresh contracts. Current subscribers, such as those with Sky, are left with this limited way out.
MoneySavingExpert’s founder Martin Lewis has been raising concerns about price hikes happening partway through mobile contracts. He’s drawn attention to this growing pattern on social media, reminding customers they have a 30-day window from receiving notice to cancel their contract fee-free if they’re dissatisfied with the price change.
His wider worry centres on the fact that regulations fail to shield customers from above-inflation increases during their contract term.
Figures from across the industry reveal that yearly price increases – both mid-contract and at renewal time – have become commonplace throughout UK telecommunications this year as firms grapple with mounting expenses and inflation.
The majority of providers now push up bills each spring, with some opting for set increases instead of inflation-based calculations. This means numerous customers will face higher charges from April regardless – but for Sky Mobile subscribers, what matters is whether you take action within the coming week to avoid being locked into a pricier contract.
Look out for your Sky Mobile price adjustment notification email – this triggers the 30-day countdown. Determine whether to exit before the notice window closes – and move to a more affordable SIM-only package if you can.
Shop around for alternatives – many other providers now provide fixed-rate contracts without mid-term price jumps.
