Why the price notice matters now
If you received a letter or email in the last few weeks saying your Wavenet business line will cost more from July, you are not alone. Many UK businesses are reviewing their contracts because mid-term price changes have become a headline issue in 2026. The timing is not random, it aligns with the way inflation-linked clauses have been written into legacy agreements over the past decade.
The history of inflation-linked clauses
For years most UK telecom providers have protected themselves against rising costs by adding a clause that ties any price increase to the Retail Price Index or Consumer Price Index plus a small margin, often quoted as "RPI plus 3.9 percent". The idea was simple: if the cost of delivering the service went up, the provider could recover a proportion of that increase without having to renegotiate the whole contract. In practice, the clause meant that a business could see its monthly bill rise each year, even if the original term was for three or five years.
These clauses were popular because they gave providers certainty and gave businesses a predictable, if slightly rising, cost structure. The downside was that the increase was expressed as a percentage, not as a specific pound amount, which made it hard for a finance team to budget accurately.
What changed in 2025
From January 2025 Ofcom introduced a rule that banned new inflation-linked price rises in business contracts. The regulator required that any future price increase be stated in clear pounds-and-pence terms at the point of signing, and that the amount be disclosed up front. This move was designed to give business customers more transparency and to stop surprise hikes that can disrupt cash-flow planning.
The rule does not apply retroactively. Contracts that were signed before the 2025 cut-off can still contain the old percentage-based clause, and the provider is legally allowed to apply it according to the terms that were agreed. That is why you may still see a notice from Wavenet that mentions a percentage increase, it is likely a legacy clause that survived the regulatory change.
How to find out if your contract contains a rise clause
The first step is to locate your original agreement. It may be stored digitally on your provider's portal, saved in a shared drive, or kept as a hard copy in your filing cabinet. Look for any of the following keywords:
- "price increase"
- "inflation"
- "RPI"
- "CPI"
- "percentage"
- "adjustment"
- "notice period"
If you find a paragraph that mentions a percentage or ties the price to an index, you are probably dealing with a legacy clause. The clause will also state how much notice the provider must give before the new price takes effect, the statutory minimum is 30 days, but many contracts give 60 days or more.
If you cannot locate the clause, or the wording is ambiguous, reach out to your account manager and ask for a written explanation of any upcoming price changes. It is better to have the information in writing than to rely on a verbal promise.
What to do at renewal
When your contract is due to expire, you have a natural lever to renegotiate or switch. Here are the key actions to consider:
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Benchmark the market, Use a comparison service such as Compare The Networks to see what other providers are offering for similar usage levels. Prices can vary significantly between networks, especially now that Vodafone and Three share a combined network and EE continues to lead on 5G coverage.
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Ask for a fixed-price offer, Even if you are on a legacy contract, you can request a new agreement that locks the price for the next 12 or 24 months. This removes the uncertainty of percentage-based rises.
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Negotiate the notice period, If the current clause gives only 30 days' notice, you can ask for a longer window. A longer notice period gives your finance team more time to adjust budgets.
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Consider a broker, A specialist broker can often secure a better deal because they have access to multiple suppliers and can bundle services such as mobile, broadband and VoIP.
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Review the service level, Price is only one part of the equation. Check whether the network coverage, data allowances, and support levels still meet your business needs. If you have expanded into new regions, a different provider may now offer better coverage.
If you decide to stay with Wavenet, ask for a clear breakdown of the new price in pounds and pence, and request a copy of the amended contract for your records. If you choose to switch, make sure you understand any early-termination fees that may apply, even though many providers have become more flexible in recent years.
Wavenet's background and what it means for you
Wavenet grew through a series of acquisitions, absorbing several previously independent brands. This history can lead to a varied customer experience, some businesses report a smooth transition, while others note differences in account management style. The important point is that the contractual terms you signed are still binding, regardless of the brand's evolution.
Because of the acquisition trail, some legacy contracts may still reference older provider names or contain clauses that were standard for the original brand. This can make the wording harder to interpret, which is why a careful review is essential.
Options compared
Below is a quick comparison of three common routes businesses take when faced with a mid-contract price rise.
| Option | Network choice | Account management | Inclusive international | Contract approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay with current provider | Same as today | Existing account manager | Varies by plan | Fixed-price offer possible, but may retain percentage clause |
| Switch to a new provider | Choose from EE, Vodafone, O2, Three | Dedicated broker or direct provider support | Often includes 39 countries and roaming on 83 | New contracts must show pound-and-pence price, no percentage rise |
| Use a broker to renegotiate | Any of the major networks | Broker handles negotiations and paperwork | Typically includes international calling bundle | Broker can secure a fixed-price term and longer notice period |
Each route has its own advantages. Staying with the same provider can be the quickest solution, but you may miss out on the transparency that newer contracts guarantee. Switching gives you the chance to align with a network that better matches your coverage needs, while a broker can combine the best of both worlds, a fresh contract with a familiar provider, negotiated on your behalf.
Take action now
The sooner you understand the exact terms of your contract, the more leverage you have. We recommend pulling out the relevant clause, comparing the upcoming cost with market rates, and then deciding whether to negotiate, switch or lock in a fixed price. Our team at Compare The Networks has helped thousands of businesses navigate exactly this kind of situation, and we can do the same for you.
If you need a clear picture of what you could be paying on a fixed-price basis, get a free quote today. It only takes a few minutes, and there is no obligation to switch.
Compare business mobile deals to see how the major networks stack up on data, coverage and support. For deeper insight into how inflation-linked clauses work, read our guide on understanding inflation-linked contracts. To avoid unexpected price hikes in the future, check out how to avoid unexpected price hikes.
Ready to protect your business costs? Get a free quote now and let us do the heavy lifting for you.