HOUSEHOLDS across the country have been hit with a major warning to switch network providers ahead of price increases.
Thousands of Irish homes could be affected by a price hike for broadband, TV, and phone usage.
This will be the third price increase in three years[/caption]
Some of the biggest network providers will increase their prices[/caption]
According to money saving experts, the price hikes will come just next month.
Customers of Eir, Sky, Three and Vodafone are set to see the price increase come into effect.
This will be the third April in a row when customers have been forced to fork out on their plans.
Savvy shoppers at Bonkers.ie have urged people to make a switch in provider ahead of time to save money.
Those who make the change could find lower prices for the same TV or broadband package from another company.
PRICE HIKE
The controversial price increase comes as Eir, Sky, Three, and Vodafone, the country’s biggest providers, can call for an “annual price adjustment”.
Originally, the yearly increase was based on the rate of inflation plus another three per cent on top of that.
But both Eir and Vodafone have now changed to a fix annual charge for every April.
It means that Vodafone’s broadband plans will increase by €3.50 a month each April going forward.
And its broadband and TV plans will go up by €4.50 a month each April.
But the price hikes won’t go down well with everyone, as they fall in line with “price signalling” under CCPC guidelines.
NEW GUIDELINES
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have strict guidelines that companies and providers must follow.
According to Bonkers.ie, however, “the flagged price hikes are controversial as they amount to price signalling under the CCPC’s own definition”.
Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie, Darragh Cassidy, said: “This is the third April in a row that many of the main telecommunications providers will hike their prices.
“And it means some customers will be paying around 20% to 25% more for their broadband and TV than they were only three years ago.
“Although providers are increasing their prices each year for their existing customers, the deals they’re offering new customers have remained relatively steady in price in recent years.
“This means there really is a lot of money to be saved by switching. More so than ever.”
‘THEY CAN BEAT THEM’
He continued: “For example, someone who’s out of contract could be paying €80 a month or more for 500Mb fibre broadband.
“Whereas they could get it for less than half the price for a year by switching.
“And with some providers you can switch to a 24-month discounted contract, so the potential savings are even greater.
“And for mobile customers, they should consider moving to a SIM-only deal if they’re out of contract.
“Some SIM-only plans offer pretty much unlimited calls, texts and 5G data from as little as €12.99 a month.
“The key thing is that consumers don’t have to accept these price increases year in and year out. They can beat them by switching.”
Customers have been urged to switch their provider now[/caption]
