Business Mobile Price Increases May 2026: What Every UK Business Needs to Know

Published: 17 March 2026 • Compare The Networks

Every April, UK mobile networks increase the price of business mobile contracts. It happens like clockwork — and April 2026 is no exception. If your business has mobile contracts with EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three, your monthly bill is about to go up. The question is not whether it will happen, but how much it will cost you, whether you can do anything about it, and what has changed since OFCOM overhauled the rules on price increases in January 2025.

This guide covers everything UK businesses need to know about the April 2026 mobile price increases: the exact amounts, which networks are affected, how much it will cost your business based on the number of lines you have, and the strategies you can use to minimise the impact — or avoid it entirely by switching to a new deal.

What’s Changing in April 2026?

All four major UK mobile networks apply an annual price increase to business mobile contracts every April. This is not new — it has been happening for years. What is different since January 2025 is how the increase is calculated.

Here is what you need to know:

• All major networks (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three) apply annual price increases each April. This affects every business mobile contract, whether it is a handset deal, SIM-only plan, or data-only SIM.
• The increase is now FIXED at a specific £ amount per month — NOT linked to CPI or RPI. This is a fundamental change from how increases used to work.
• OFCOM banned CPI/RPI-linked increases for new contracts from January 2025. All increases must now be stated as a fixed £ amount in the contract, shown in pounds and pence before you sign.
• For most business contracts signed in 2025 or 2026: the increase is a fixed competitive rates per month. That is competitive rates including VAT per line per month.
• This applies to EVERY line on your account. If you have 10 lines, all 10 go up by competitive rates each.

The key difference from previous years is predictability. Before the OFCOM change, networks used CPI (Consumer Price Index) or CPI + a fixed percentage (often CPI + 3.9%) to calculate the annual increase. During the high-inflation years of 2022–2024, this meant businesses were hit with increases of 8–14% — far more than anyone had budgeted for. A competitive rates contract could jump by competitive rates in a single year with no warning until the notification letter arrived.

Under the new rules, you know exactly what the increase will be before you sign the contract. competitive rates per month. Every April. No surprises.

Price Increase by Network (April 2026)

Here is a breakdown of the annual price increase applied by each major UK business mobile network in April 2026:

Important Older contracts signed before the OFCOM change in January 2025 may still have CPI or RPI-linked increases. If your contract was signed in 2024 or earlier, check your specific contract terms — your increase could be higher or lower competitive rates depending on the inflation figure used. Contracts signed from January 2025 onwards will have the fixed competitive rates increase.

Sky Broadband applies a fixed competitive rates increase, but this guide focuses specifically on business mobile contracts from the four major networks.

How Much Will It Cost Your Business?

The impact of the April 2026 price increase depends entirely on how many mobile lines your business has. Here is a quick reference table showing the additional cost at different fleet sizes:

For a business with 50 mobile lines, the April 2026 increase alone adds competitive rates (excluding VAT) to your mobile bill. That is competitive rates including VAT — money that comes straight off your bottom line.

And here is the part that most businesses overlook: these increases compound year on year. A contract signed in 2024 has already had two increases by April 2026 — that is competitive rates more per line per month than the original price you signed up for. On 50 lines, that is competitive rates more than you were paying when you started the contract. This is why understanding the compounding effect is critical to managing your mobile costs.

The Compounding Problem

Annual price increases do not just add cost once — they stack up over the life of your contract and beyond. Here is how the numbers work on a typical 36-month business mobile contract:

• Year 1: You pay the base price you agreed when you signed the contract. No increase in the first year (assuming you signed after April).
• Year 2 (April): +competitive rates per month per line. Your bill is now competitive rates higher per line than when you started.
• Year 3 (April): +competitive rates per month per line again. Your bill is now competitive rates above the original price per line.
• Year 4 (after 36-month contract ends): If you have not switched, your bill increases again — now competitive rates above the original price per line. AND you are out of contract, meaning you are on a rolling monthly deal still paying the same rate even though any device cost has been fully paid off.

This fourth-year scenario is where businesses lose the most money. You are paying an inflated monthly rate that includes device costs you have already fully repaid, plus three years of compounded price increases. On a single line that started at competitive rates, you could be paying competitive rates — and getting no more value than someone who just signed a fresh contract competitive rates.

This is why switching every 24 months saves significant money. A new contract resets the clock: you get today’s base price, a new device (if you want one), and the increase cycle starts again from zero. The longer you stay on an old contract past its minimum term, the more you overpay. Read our full guide to reducing business mobile costs →

Can You Avoid the Price Increase?

The short answer: no, if you are in contract. The annual price increase is written into your contract terms. You agreed to it when you signed, and the network has every right to apply it. This is not a unilateral change to your contract — it is a term you accepted, and OFCOM’s rules ensure it was clearly stated in pounds and pence before you signed.

However, there are important exceptions and strategies:

If You Are Out of Contract

If you are past your minimum contract term (typically 24 or 36 months), you are on a rolling monthly deal. The price increase still applies, but you are free to leave at any time with 30 days’ notice. This is the single best time to switch — you can move to a new contract at today’s lower base price with zero early termination fees. See our guide to switching business mobile provider →

If the Increase Exceeds Your Contract Terms

In rare cases, a network may apply an increase that is higher than what your contract states. If this happens, you have a right to exit your contract penalty-free within 30 days of receiving the price increase notification. Check the exact wording of your contract and compare it to the notification letter you receive.

If You Are Mid-Contract

If you have several months remaining on your minimum term, you have two options: absorb the increase and wait for your contract to end, or calculate whether paying the early termination fee (ETF) and switching to a cheaper deal actually saves you money overall. In many cases, especially on older contracts with compounded increases, paying the ETF is the financially smarter move.

The Best Strategy: Switch and Reset

The most effective way to beat annual price increases is simple: switch to a new contract at today’s base price. A new contract resets the increase cycle. Instead of paying a base price plus two or three years of compounded increases, you start fresh at the current market rate. Combined with the competitive deals available when you switch, this typically saves businesses 15–30% compared to staying on an expired or ageing contract.

What OFCOM Changed and Why

Understanding the regulatory background helps explain why the current system works the way it does and why it is actually better for businesses than what came before.

Before January 2025: The CPI/RPI Problem

Prior to the OFCOM change, mobile networks used Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Retail Price Index (RPI) figures to calculate annual increases. The most common formula was CPI + 3.9%, which meant:

• If CPI was 2%, your increase was 5.9%
• If CPI was 6.7% (as it was in 2023), your increase was 10.6%
• If CPI was 11.1% (as it hit in late 2022), your increase could be 15%

For businesses, this was a nightmare. A competitive rates contract could increase by competitive rates–competitive rates in a single year during high inflation. Multiply that across 20 or 50 lines and the annual budget impact was severe — and completely unpredictable when the contract was signed.

The OFCOM Ban

In response to widespread complaints and a formal review, OFCOM banned CPI and RPI-linked percentage increases for all new mobile contracts from January 2025. The new rules require:

• All price increases must be stated as a fixed £ amount in the contract
• The amount must be shown in pounds and pence — not as a percentage or formula
• The increase must be clearly communicated before the customer signs
• Networks must notify customers in advance of each annual increase

This is a significant improvement for businesses. When you sign a contract in 2025 or 2026, you know the increase is competitive rates per month. Not “CPI + 3.9%”, not “up to 14.4%”, not “in line with inflation”. A fixed, predictable amount you can budget for.

B2B Exemption

Technically, the OFCOM ban on CPI/RPI-linked increases applies to consumer contracts. Business-to-business (B2B) contracts were exempt from the regulation. However, in practice, all four major networks have updated their business contract terms to match the consumer approach. EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three all use the fixed competitive rates increase on new business contracts signed since 2025. This is the network practice even though B2B contracts are technically not bound by the OFCOM consumer rule.

Should You Switch Before April?

The timing of the April price increase creates a window of opportunity. If you act before April 2026, you can lock in a new contract at today’s base price and delay the first increase until April 2027. Here is a decision framework based on your contract status:

If You Are Out of Contract: Switch Now

This is the clearest decision. You are on a rolling monthly deal, paying an inflated price that includes compounded increases from previous years and potentially device costs you have already paid off. Switch now to lock in today’s lower base price. You will not face any early termination fees, and the first increase on your new contract will not hit until April 2027.

If Your Contract Ends April–June 2026: Perfect Timing

If your minimum term expires in the next few months, you are in the ideal position. Let the contract expire, avoid paying any ETF, and switch to a new deal. The April increase will be the last one you pay on your old contract.

If You Have 3+ Months Left on Contract: Do the Maths

Calculate your early termination fee and compare it against the cost of absorbing more price increases on your current deal. In many cases, especially if you have had two or more annual increases already, paying the ETF and switching to a fresh contract at today’s rates is cheaper overall. We can help you run these numbers — get a free quote and we will show you the comparison.

Check Your Contract Status

Not sure when your contract ends? Text INFO to 85075 from each business mobile line. Your network is required to respond with your contract end date, any applicable early termination fees, and your PAC code. This takes 60 seconds and gives you all the information you need to make a decision.

How Compare The Networks Helps You Beat Price Increases

At Compare The Networks, we specialise in finding UK businesses the best mobile deals across all networks. Here is how we help you manage annual price increases:

• We compare current deals across all networks. EE, Vodafone, O2, Three — we check every available business tariff to find the lowest base price for your specific requirements.
• We find the lowest base price. A lower starting price means the competitive rates annual increase has less impact proportionally. Starting at competitive rates instead of competitive rates makes a material difference over a 24–36 month contract.
• We handle the switching and number porting. We manage the entire process so there is no disruption to your business. Your numbers port over in one working day. Learn about keeping your business number →
• Our Switching Promise can cover early exit fees. If you are leaving a contract early, we can cover agreed fees to help you switch. Terms apply. Read about our Switching Promise →
• A fresh contract resets the increase cycle. Instead of paying a base price plus two or three years of compounded increases, you start again at today’s rate. This is the single most effective way to control your mobile costs long-term.

SIM-Only Deals: A Smarter Alternative

One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of annual price increases is to move to business SIM-only deals. SIM-only contracts have a lower base price because you are not paying for a device. This means:

• Lower starting price — SIM-only deals typically start at competitive rates for unlimited calls, texts, and generous data
• The competitive rates increase is a smaller proportion of your bill — a competitive rates rise on a competitive rates SIM-only deal is proportionally less painful than the same rise on a competitive rates handset contract
• Shorter contract terms available — many SIM-only deals are available on 12-month or even Shorter , giving you more flexibility to switch before increases accumulate
• Buy your devices separately — purchase handsets outright or through a separate finance arrangement, and your airtime costs stay low

For businesses looking to minimise the long-term impact of annual price increases, SIM-only is often the smartest approach. See our cheapest business mobile deals →

What About Data-Only and Tablet SIMs?

The annual competitive rates increase also applies to data-only SIMs used in tablets, mobile broadband devices, and IoT equipment. If your business uses data SIMs for field devices, vehicle trackers, EPOS systems, or backup broadband, the April increase applies to these lines too. Factor them into your cost calculations — businesses often overlook data-only SIMs when assessing the impact of price increases.

Planning Ahead: Budgeting for Annual Increases

Now that price increases are fixed and predictable, you can build them into your annual mobile budget with confidence. Here is a simple framework:

1. Count all your mobile lines — voice, data-only, tablets, IoT devices. Every line incurs the increase.
2. Multiply by competitive rates to get your monthly increase (ex VAT). Multiply by competitive rates for the VAT-inclusive figure.
3. Multiply by 12 for the annual additional cost.
4. Add this to next year’s budget now. The increase hits in April, so you will pay the higher rate for 9 months of the current financial year (April to December) if you are on a calendar year budget.
5. Set a calendar reminder 3 months before each contract renewal date to review your options and get competitive quotes.

Predictability is the silver lining of the OFCOM change. You may not be able to avoid the increase, but you can budget for it precisely — something that was impossible under the old CPI/RPI system. Read our explainer on how RPI price increases used to work →

Related Reading

• How to Reduce Business Mobile Costs
• Keep Your Business Number When Switching
• RPI Price Increases Explained
• Cheapest Business Mobile Deals
• Business SIM-Only Deals
• Get a Free Business Mobile Quote

All prices exclude VAT unless otherwise stated. Fixed competitive rates/month annual price increase applies each April on contracts signed from January 2025. Older contracts may have different increase terms. Switching Promise covers agreed fees only — terms apply. Compare The Networks is regulated by OFCOM.