Millions of Virgin Media customers face significant price increases

Millions of Virgin Media customers face significant price increases is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Virgin Media broadband customers who signed contracts before 9 January 2025 will see a 7.5% price increase from April.
• Customers who signed contracts on or after 9 January 2025 will experience a fixed increase of £3.50 per month.
• Switching providers may help avoid price hikes, with some alternative broadband firms offering better deals.

Inflation-linked price increases to take effect in April

Millions of Virgin Media broadband customers are set to face price increases of up to 7.5% from April. Customers who signed contracts before 9 January 2025 will see their bills rise in line with inflation-linked adjustments, while those who signed after this date will experience a fixed monthly increase of £3.50. According to telecoms expert Ernest Doku from Uswitch.com, January’s Retail Price Index (RPI) announcement signals “bad news” for Virgin Media customers, marking one of the steepest price increases among providers this year.

Also read: Vodafone launches European broadband research hub

Potential savings through switching providers

Mr Doku highlighted that Virgin Media broadband customers paying the average annual broadband cost of £355 will see an increase of approximately £26. He noted that some alternative broadband providers, such as Hyperoptic and Trooli, do not impose mid-contract price hikes. Customers switching providers could save an average of £181 per year, making it a viable option for those looking to avoid increased bills.

Also read: UK fibre market grows as competition cuts broadband prices

Virgin Media’s new pricing structure

In response to the changes, a Virgin Media spokesperson stated that the company had announced a shift in its pricing approach in November. Instead of inflation-linked percentage increases, new and re-contracting customers will now receive a specified annual price increase in pounds and pence. This adjustment is intended to provide greater clarity on billing over the course of a contract. However, existing customers on older contracts will still be subject to an RPI-linked price rise of RPI+3.9%, in accordance with Ofcom regulations.