'Costs go up by £20 per month': Check your broadband contract now to beat the £1bn April hike
Millions could be overpaying on out-of-contract broadband
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/efosa-udinmwen · TechRadarNews By Efosa Udinmwen published 8 April 2026
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- Millions of broadband users are paying more due to expired contracts
- Around 4% of users do not know their contract status
- Out-of-contract rates often increase by around £20 or more monthly
Many UK broadband users are currently paying more than necessary, largely because they remain on out-of-contract plans after their initial agreements expire.
New research from Go.Compare claims around 5.9 million broadband users are out of contract and could be paying higher rates, with the total potentially costing consumers up to £118 million every month.
With providers’ annual price increases set to take effect within days, the additional costs across all customers could reach £1 billion, and this could be one of the most expensive months for those who haven’t reviewed their contracts.
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Millions are paying more without realizing it
About 11% of UK homes are out of contract, and approximately 4% of users are unsure of their current contract status.
This lack of awareness means some households continue paying higher standard rates without actively choosing to do so, even when better broadband deals are available.
The timing of this situation adds further pressure, and the new adjustments could push bills even higher for those already on more expensive out-of-contract rates.
“Out-of-contract rates are almost always much higher than contract prices, with costs going up by around £20 per month or even higher in some circumstances,” said Catherine Hiley, spokesperson at Go.Compare broadband.
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