Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of consumer protections for customers from price rises from telecommunications and subscription television providers; and what steps she is taking to ensure that price increase terms linked to inflation indices are transparent and clearly communicated to consumers.

The Government supports Ofcom’s strengthened transparency rules, which came into force in January 2025, to ensure consumers know clearly how and when any price changes will occur. These rules require telecoms and Pay TV providers to set out in pounds and pence, and in plain English, any in‑contract price increase before the customer signs up, so people can understand and compare deals easily.

Ofcom has also previously introduced clearer and easier switching rights, meaning that where price rises occur under a “prices may vary” contract, consumers now have more straightforward routes to switch provider and find a better deal if they choose to do so.

On top of this, on 11 February, the Chancellor and Secretary of State secured further voluntary action from telecoms companies through the new Telecoms Consumer Charter. This Charter strengthens transparency further, prevents unexpected mid‑contract price increases where rises have been specified upfront, and includes additional commitments aimed at empowering consumers and improving support for those struggling to pay.

The Government will continue working closely with Ofcom to ensure consumers are protected from unfair pricing practices across telecommunications services.