Lyca Mobile, Giffgaff, and Lebara have been named among the list of mobile providers that won’t be hiking up their prices this year.
In April, many broadband and mobile users might be hit with increased mid-contract prices in line with the new Customer Price Index inflation rates. According to research by consumer group Which?, the big four mobile networks, which share two-thirds of UK customers, increase their prices in April each year using the rate of inflation, with an added 3.9 per cent.
The UK’s communication regulator, Ofcom, has proposed a ban on unpredictable broadband and mobile mid-contract price rises after Which? campaigned last year.
With the cost-of-living crisis still affecting plenty of households, increased mobile bills will hit already cash-strapped families hard.
But some mobile phone providers that will not be increasing customers already agreed on rates this year.
Which mobile providers are not raising prices in 2024?
Lebara
The mobile network did not hike prices last year, so it’s safe to assume 2024 will remain the same. In a statement from their website, Lebara said: “It’s no secret that many major mobile networks are increasing airtime prices for some of their customers by up to 17.3 per cent this year.”
"At Lebara, we didn’t increase prices last year, and we won’t be increasing prices this year in 2023 either on our 12-month plans or any of our other SIM-only plans. Our prices for data, UK mins and UK texts will not increase during the term of your contract."
In a X post they wrote: “Are we the only ones not plotting to hike prices? No annual price increases for 2024, just like this year and the last, plus no nasty mid contract hikes.”
Tesco Mobile
Tesco will not be increasing prices for Clubcard customers on a fixed plan, but all contract users not signed up with a Clubcard deal or rate will see a price hike in April.
In a statement, Tesco said: “For all customers on non-Clubcard Price deals, each year from 2024, your basic monthly usage price or basic monthly price (depending on your contract type) will rise in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation published in January + 3.9 per cent.
"If the CPI rate is negative, we'll only apply the 3.9 per cent. The price rise will come into effect on bills dated on or after April of each year, unless otherwise stated.
“For all customers on Clubcard Price deals, your basic monthly usage price (for data, minutes and texts within your allowances) will stay frozen for the length of your contract only,” they added.
VOXI by Vodafone
Vodafone typically increases customer’s monthly bill by the CPI plus 3.9 per cent. According to Uswitch, customers might see an increase of 8.5 per cent by April 2024.
But customers using Vodafone’s virtual network, VOXI, will not be seeing any price increases this year. VOXI uses the same network as Vodafone but offers “unlimited social media” and a commitment-free VOXI SIM-only deal that runs for only a month.
SMARTY
For people looking to stay away from fixed-term contracts, SMARTY is the best choice. The provider allows them to cancel their SIM-only deals “anytime” giving them a chance to opt out should prices increase.
But SMARTY remains one of the few providers that have stayed committed to never raising prices mid-contract.
GiffGaff
Beloved by most for its low-cost SIM-only deals, the network GiffGaff confirmed customers who take out 18-month contracts with them will not face any 2024 price rises. Last year, they also assured their customers their prices are going “ to remain fixed".
Other providers that will not be hiking prices include Lyca and Asda Mobile.
