O2 putting phone bills up by 17%….

[Capitane]

I’ve had an email from O2 to say there is going to be a price hike on their tariffs by the RPI rate of inflation plus 3.9% on top…

“The RPI rate for February is still to be announced but, just by way of illustration, the current rate of RPI is 13.4%. So, if RPI were to remain at this rate and you had a pay monthly tariff originally priced at £30, the new price would be £35.19 a month, being an increase of 17.3% (example RPI at 13.4% plus 3.9%).”

I am pretty shocked by this, 5% maybe but this is ridiculous!!! Anyone else had this? AIBU?

When you sign up it says about the RPI increase. Just make sure you switch to a different contact once you can.

I jumped ship from 02 to Asda mobile.

Try giffgaff - no contract. So you can walk away when you want.

If your out of contract just search for another, go for the best deal you can. If your still in contract, then they can't do this until the 2 years or whatever length it is, is up. I've got till December with my 2 year contract on this phone. Once it's up I'll be looking for the best deal, not just staying with the provider. They will all be frightening to keep customers if prices rise too much, so deals will be had.

This was on Martin Lewis’ Money show last week I think it was, he said to phone your provider and say you can’t afford it because of the CoL and they may reduce it. He said it’s a 70 something % success rate.

Failing that, ask them how much it costs to buy out your contract before the prices increase and do a switch.

It’s their job to try and retain customers. Chances are, they will change their tune if they realise you’re serious about leaving.

@SidTwaddell OK I guess I dont really no what I'm raking about but I've never had an annual rise. I get 2 year contracts and the price stays the same within that time. After the 2 years ignition don't get another phone my contract goes down to a different price. I've only been with Tesco on contract though, not directly with 02.

*2 years is up and I don't get another phone

Contract finishes 2024 April I’ll go sim only. Always do my phones last me about five years or so.