Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of reviewing mid-contract price rises for broadband and mobile phone providers.

We recognise that this is a difficult time for families across the country who are struggling to pay their bills as a result of the global rise in the cost of living.

The sector remains highly competitive and UK consumers currently access some of the lowest broadband and mobile pricing in Western Europe. To support low-income households stay connected, my department has negotiated a range of high-quality, low-cost social tariffs for households in receipt of Universal Credit and other means tested benefits from as little as £10 per month. These are available in 99% of the UK.

In addition, leaders from broadband and mobile operators agreed on a set of industry commitments to help people through the global rise in the cost of living. These include manageable payment plans and allowing households, who may be mid-contract but struggling with their bills, to switch to cheaper packages without penalty.

On 23 January, as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, met with Chief Executives from major broadband providers and made clear her concerns about the impact price rises may have on those who are struggling due to the rise in the cost of living.

On 9 February 2023, Ofcom launched a review into the transparency of in-contract price rises. We will examine Ofcom’s findings once they are published.