Mon, 03 Nov 2025

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 Government disappointed by unexpected O2 price rise

The technology secretary says O2's higher-than-expected price increase is "disappointing" given the cost of living.

* O2 announced a £2.50 monthly price increase for its customers, despite initially saying it would be just £1.80.
* The government has asked Ofcom to revisit its rules on phone companies raising prices during contracts.
* Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the price increase is "disappointing" and that the current rules "haven't gone far enough to protect customers".
* Ofcom will review whether the 30-day switching period makes it easy for consumers to switch providers.
* The government wants phone providers to inform all customers, including those whose contracts started before new rules came in, how much their monthly prices will go up by.
* Telecoms analyst Paolo Pescatore said UK network operators are "cash-strapped" and that striking a balance between raising funds and investing in networks is difficult.
* Virgin Media O2 has partnered with Starlink to offer its service.
* Research shows that 40% of the time, phones displaying the 5G symbol are actually using a 4G connection.
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