Published: 3 March 2026 • Compare The Networks
If you have a business mobile contract in the UK, your monthly bill will increase every year — even mid-contract. All four major networks apply annual price increases linked to inflation. Here is what you need to know.
The Formula
Annual increase = CPI (Consumer Price Index) + 3.9%
This applies to all contract types. The increase takes effect each April, based on the January CPI figure.
Real-World Impact
| Your Plan | Annual Increase (est. 6.4%) | Extra Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| £10/mo SIM Only | +£0.64/mo | +£7.68/yr |
| £20/mo SIM Only | +£1.28/mo | +£15.36/yr |
| £45/mo Handset | +£2.88/mo | +£34.56/yr |
| 20 lines x £20/mo | +£25.60/mo | +£307.20/yr |
All Networks Do It
- EE — CPI + 3.9%, applied March
- Three — CPI + 3.9%, applied April
- Vodafone — CPI + 3.9%, applied April
- O2 — CPI + 3.9%, applied April
How to Minimise the Impact
- Choose shorter contracts — 12-month contracts see fewer increases than 24-month
- Start after April — signing in May means almost a year at the original price
- Use SIM only — lower base price means smaller absolute increase
- Negotiate lower starting prices — through Compare The Networks, we get the best rates upfront
- Reclaim VAT — the effective increase is 20% less for VAT-registered businesses
Get the Lowest Starting Price
Lower starting price = smaller annual increase. We negotiate the best rates across all networks.
Get a Free QuoteQ: Can I cancel when the price increases?
No. The CPI + 3.9% increase is part of the contract terms you agreed to. You can only exit without penalty at the end of your minimum term.
Q: Is CPI + 3.9% the same as RPI?
Not exactly. RPI is typically higher. Networks switched from RPI to CPI + 3.9% in recent years. The effect is similar — 5-8% increases annually.