The short answer: most broadband contracts run for 18 or 24 months. If your provider raises prices mid-contract, you have the right to cancel without an early termination fee. You just need to act within 30 days of receiving the notice. Rolling monthly contracts cost more per month but give you flexibility to switch at any time.
Contract length
UK broadband contracts typically come in three lengths:
- 12 months: less common, usually available from smaller providers at a slightly higher monthly price.
- 18 months: increasingly common, the standard for many providers in 2025–2026.
- 24 months: the most common contract length, usually offering the lowest monthly price.
- Month-to-month (rolling): available from most providers but at a premium. Good if you move frequently or want to switch quickly.
A longer contract gives you a lower monthly price but locks you in. If your circumstances change or a better deal comes along, leaving early costs money.
Early termination fees
If you leave before your contract end date without a qualifying reason, you will owe an early termination charge (ETC). This is usually calculated as the remaining monthly payments until your contract ends. For example, if you have 6 months left on a £30/month contract, the ETC would be around £180.
Ofcom rules require providers to cap ETCs at a reasonable amount and to clearly state them before you sign up. The ETC must be stated in your contract confirmation. Read this before you commit.
Mid-contract price rises
This is one of the most important things to understand about UK broadband contracts. Providers are permitted to raise their prices during your contract period, but they must give you 30 days' advance written notice (usually by email) and clearly explain how much the price is rising and what your options are.
Under Ofcom's rules, if a provider raises prices mid-contract and the rise is above the rate specified in the original contract terms, you have the right to leave without paying an early termination fee. This is called the right to exit.
The key action: when you receive a price rise notice, you have 30 days to give notice to leave. If you miss the 30-day window, the new price takes effect and you lose the right to exit for that specific rise.
Practical tip: when you sign up for broadband, save your contract confirmation email and make a note of the monthly price you agreed to. If you later receive a notification of a higher price, compare it to your original contract. If the rise was not pre-agreed in the contract terms (for example, your contract said the price was fixed), you have the right to leave fee-free.
End-of-contract notifications
Providers must notify you 10 to 40 days before your contract ends that it is about to expire. The notification must include: the date your contract ends, the price you will pay going forward (which may be higher), and details of the best deals currently available from them.
When you receive this notification, you have a few options:
- Renew with your current provider, potentially negotiating a better rate.
- Switch to a different provider.
- Move to a rolling monthly contract with your current provider.
Most people who stay on a rolling monthly contract after a fixed term ends pay significantly more per month than new customers. Shopping around at contract end almost always pays off.
Annual price rises
Most major providers (BT, Sky, Virgin Media, TalkTalk) include a clause in their contracts allowing annual price rises. These are often linked to January's Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate plus a fixed percentage (typically 3–4%). This means that even on a "fixed term" contract, your price can rise each year.
If the price rise is specified in your original contract terms (for example, "prices may rise by CPI + 3.9% annually"), the right to exit for that rise may not apply, as you agreed to it when you signed. Always read the price rise terms before signing.
What you do not need
You do not need to accept a price rise silently. When you get a mid-contract price rise notice, always check whether you have the right to exit. If you do, use it as leverage. Call your provider and ask for a better deal. Retention teams often have offers that are not advertised publicly.
You do not always need to switch provider when your contract ends. Calling to negotiate a renewal deal can be just as effective and avoids the 10–14 day switch process. Start shopping around 40–60 days before your contract ends so you have options to compare.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my broadband during a house move?
If you are moving within the same provider's coverage area, you can usually transfer your service to your new address. Your contract continues from the same end date. If your new address is not covered by your provider, you may be able to exit without a fee. Check your contract terms or contact your provider.
What happens when my contract ends?
Your service continues, usually at a higher monthly price (the provider's standard out-of-contract rate). You are free to switch at any time without an ETC. Set a reminder 6–8 weeks before your contract end date to shop around.
Can I negotiate a better deal at contract end?
Yes, and it is often worth doing. Call your provider's retentions team (not the main customer service line) and say you are considering switching. They frequently offer unadvertised discounts to keep you. Have a competing offer ready to reference.
What is an out-of-contract notification?
This is the mandatory notice your provider must send 10–40 days before your contract ends. It must tell you your contract end date, what you will pay going forward, and what deals they currently offer. If you have not received one and think your contract is ending soon, contact your provider directly.