08 January 2024 , 13:39
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In just three months, hundreds of billpayers will face hiked mobile charges as providers across the UK up their rates in line with inflation. Amid price hikes from the likes of Virgin Media, Vodafone, EE and O2 there are a handful of providers that won't be upping any tariffs.
Depending on the provider, customers could face hikes of more than 10% to cover the new Consumer Price Index. It's a huge added cost and the changes are due to come in this coming April 2024, and unfortunately it's not something all contract users will be able to escape.
However, there is a way of avoiding these inflated rates.
Looking for a new phone contract? These provider's aren't upping existing customers rates:
The key is not to take out a new plan, or consider swapping, from any of the providers listed above as the likes of SMARTY, GiffGaff, Lyca and Asda Mobile (to name a few) won't charge you a penny extra to cover inflation this 2024.
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We've unveiled the providers that won't be upping your bill this 2024 and featured some of the key deals below.
GiffGaff
- Shop GiffGaff's 2024 January deals, here
Customers who take out an 18-month contract with GiffGaff, or who are already locked into one of these plans, will not face any 2024 price hikes. As confirmed on the provider's website, which you can see here.
And if you're looking at any of its deals you can currently get 500 GB of monthly data for the usual price of its 120GB option, at just £20 a month. It's part of its 'double it, then double it again' deal which is helping shoppers get bigger amounts for a fraction of the price.
Apple and Samsung handsets are also proving popular for those on the hunt for combined handset and data plans. This iPhone 15 contract is £33.92 a month on a fixed 24-month plan, with a small £25 upfront fee - costing £814 in total. While this 128GB standard S23 costs £919 in total (from £37.25 a month).
VOXI by Vodafone
- Get 30GB of data for just £10 in VOXI's winter sale - here
Vodafone may be upping its prices for existing customers by 14.4%, that's about an extra £4 each month for an Unlimited data SIM, but its virtual network VOXI will be ignoring the hikes completely.
The provider uses Vodafone's network but runs virtually, and the most-talked about added benefit is that users can spend hours scrolling on social media or watching streaming platforms without eating into their data allowance.
Lebara
- Get Lebara's Unlimited Data SIM for just £25 a month - buy here
The network hasn't released any confirmation regarding plans to hike prices in 2024 and looking back over its 2023 plan, Lebara is another provider we don't expect to see added hikes from this year. In a statement on their website last year Lebara said: "It’s no secret that many major mobile networks are increasing airtime prices for some of their customers by up to 17.3% this year.
"At Lebara, we didn’t increase prices last year, and we won’t be increasing prices this year in 2023 either on our 12-month plans or any of our other SIM-only plans. Our prices for data, UK mins and UK texts will not increase during the term of your contract."
SMARTY
SMARTY is a great option for those looking to steer clear of fixed contracts, and because you can 'cancel anytime' on the majority of its SIM plans you have added flexibility when it comes to potential future price rises.
Not only are the provider's SIM plans flexible but it offers one of the cheapest rates around with an unlimited SIM available for just £20 a month and 200GB for £17. If we look back at GiffGaff it offers its 500GB data SIM for £20, so you'll get double the amount at SMARTY.
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Also included on the one-month pay as you go plans is 12GB of fair use EU roaming, Unlimited calls and texts and no credit checks when you sign up.
Tesco Mobile
- Tesco is offering £306 saving on S23 if you buy with a Clubcard
Tesco will not be upping its prices for Clubcard customers already fixed into a phone plan, however, all contract users not signed up with a Clubcard deal or rate will see a price hike this April.
On its website Tesco states: "For all customers on non-Clubcard Price deals, each year from 2024, your basic monthly usage price or basic monthly price (depending on your contract type) will rise in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation published in January + 3.9%.
"If the CPI rate is negative, we'll only apply the 3.9%. The price rise will come into effect on bills dated on or after April of each year, unless otherwise stated.
"For all customers on Clubcard Price deals, your basic monthly usage price (for data, minutes and texts within your allowances) will stay frozen for the length of your contract only."
If you're looking for consumer advice before taking out your next mobile plan, these resources may help:
Warning for anyone who unboxed a new Apple, Samsung, Google or Nokia phone for Christmas
Five consumer-backed tips that'll help you find cheap phone deals in January sales
O2 customers could save £700 a year in hidden perks as mobile bills soar in 2024