Virgin Media has decided to raise prices for new and existing customers midway through their contracts. Starting from October 2, individuals signing new contracts or renewing current deals will face a £4 monthly increase in their bills during the contract term.

The updated price adjustment will take effect in April of the following year, surpassing the previous £3.50 mid-contract price surge for current Virgin Media customers. However, the higher price increase will not impact existing customers until they renew their contracts.

This price alteration coincides with Virgin Media’s lineup refresh, which now includes standard Netflix offerings with ads on plans exceeding 500Mbps, as well as faster speeds bundled with TV packages.

A spokesperson from Virgin Media mentioned that customers opting for their latest packages, featuring added benefits like Netflix as part of all TV bundles and complimentary Sky Sports in HD, will experience a £4 monthly price hike each April.

Uswitch broadband expert, Ernest Doku, remarked on Virgin Media’s decision to elevate its fixed mid-contract price rise to £4 per month, following a previous increase to £3.50 per month less than a year ago. New and re-contracting customers after October 2 will be subject to this rise in the subsequent April, considering Virgin Media’s transition to 24-month minimum contracts, potentially resulting in an extra £8 monthly expense by April 2027.

This adjustment only applies to new contract sign-ups, so existing Virgin Media customers with pending contract renewals are advised to review their alternatives. Similar mid-contract price raises were previously announced by BT, EE, and Plusnet, indicating a trend in the industry.

For those not under contract, exploring competitive prices online for better deals is recommended. Assessing the necessity of high-speed broadband and potential cost savings through downgrading should also be considered. Negotiating with the current provider for a better deal, especially near contract expiration or following a price increase announcement, may yield favorable results.

Customers may have the option to exit penalty-free upon a mid-contract price increase announcement, except when the rise was predetermined in the contract terms. Additionally, individuals receiving benefits should investigate the possibility of reducing costs through enrollment in more affordable social tariff programs.