Millions of EE customers have been receiving text messages this week outlining how much their monthly payments will increase from April.
The mobile data provider has announced that it will increase price plans by 14.4 per cent. According to the company, which has roughly more than 20 million customers in the UK, the planned increase is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation published in January, plus 3.9 per cent.
It means that customers currently paying £57 a month for example will instead be charged £65.21 a month either on or after March 31. EE has also informed customers that the price rise is part of an agreed increase which customers signed up for when starting their contract with them.
Read more: The people who will be entitled to full £1,350 in new DWP cost of living payments
Text messages sent to customers said: "Hi xxx, your price plan will increase by £x a month on or after 31 March 2023. This increase is linked to inflation in line with your terms and conditions. Out-of-bundle charges and add-ons are also increasing in line with your terms.
"Like all businesses across the country, our costs are rising significantly because of high inflation. So we have to increase our prices to continue to run and improve our network and give you the most reliable connection possible."
Many EE customers took to social media to hit out at the increases after receiving the text message. Taking to Twitter @davedavebarlow1 wrote: "EE looking to lose long standing customers by ridiculous price increases! 14% is way over the top for doing nothing but hiding behind inflation! You don’t need to increase prices by so much"
Another unhappy EE customer @Mrs__Oconnor wrote: "When EE customers signed up to contracts, inflation wasn't 105% so yeah, it's in the T&C but it's the worst kind of profiteering. Maybe you should've warned me inflation can rise and do a stretch test to see if these increases would be affordable before contracting me!"
A third user @SPotatoes8 wrote: "EE price rise of 14.4% but no change in service?!! What fresh hell is this!!! You should be supporting customers not kicking them while they are down." And customer @clatworthy tweeted: "Well you just lost a customer. Not that you care. Rise the price of my contract when I'm only a couple of months in is outrageous.
"Why should I pay for your investment. I've been with EE since it was Orange. Next time I'm due an upgrade I will definitely leave."
Replying to one customer on Twitter, EE wrote: "CPI+3.9% reflects the level of investment we need to make within our business to continue our major investments in networks and service, while also protecting vulnerable customers suffering from financial hardship or digital exclusion."
It added: "Many providers will change their prices at any time during customers’ contracts with them. We have been upfront about our price changes when customers agreed to their contract, and we are using CPI as a measure for these increases."
EE is not the only mobile service provider increasing its prices. Vodafone will also increase its monthly charge based on the CPI rate while Virgin Media customers will see an average rise of 13.8 per cent.
A spokesperson for BT told the Manchester Evening News: “We understand that price rises are never wanted nor welcomed, but recognise them as a necessary thing to do given the rising costs our business faces. This year’s increase, of just above £1 per week for the average customer receiving the rise, reflects incredible value given the cost increases we're facing, the considerable investments we're making into our network, while also protecting vulnerable customers suffering from financial hardship or digital exclusion through our market leading social tariffs.
"Any customer worried about paying their bills should contact us and we will help find a solution which works for them.”
Read next:
- Missing mum Nicola Bulley had 'significant alcohol issues'
- Mum-of-two left 'scarred for life' after suffering 'beast-like' attack on night out
- Defence closing speeches as Thomas Campbell trial nears end
- Manchester's oldest restaurants that locals and celebs love
- Police appeal after man suffers head injuries in 'suspected assault' at Salford park
