ISP says I'm under a contract

wild666

My ISP has just sent an email saying they will increase the price by 7.7% in April and that I am under contract, but as far as I'm aware the fixed contract ran out in  October 2022 if not earlier. They did offer me another fixed contract last April but I never responded and have being paying £31.49 per month, instead of £30.99,  the offer they had would have saved me 50p per month so I never bothered. 
The email does say that I won't be charged if the fixed contract has ended, as far as I'm aware I'm not in a fixed contract so should not be hit with early termination charges. 

Here is a copy of the email 

 We are writing to you to let you know that, in line with our Terms and Conditions, the amount that you pay for your Origin service will increase by 7.7% on 1st April 2024.

We appreciate the news of a price rise is never welcome and recognise that these continue to be challenging times for households and businesses alike but in the face of continued rising operator and supplier costs it's necessary for us to be able to invest in the service that we offer. If you'd like to learn more about this price increase you can see your full terms and conditions on the policies page on the Origin website and should you need to talk to us, you can contact our friendly team.

You are currently in a fixed contract, if you choose to leave before the end of the term, early cancellation charges will be applied. This would be added onto your final bill. You won't be charged an early cancellation charge if your fixed term has ended, or if you're moving home and choose to take your service with you.

Thanks for being an Origin customer and relying on us to keep your home connected and provide you with a great value service.

What I find odd is that it says I'm currently in a fixed contract but later says I won't be charged if the fixed term as ended. I took out an 18 month fix in August or September 2021after a no increase for 30 month plan ended and they offered me another 18 months for £27 then increased to £31.49 in April 2023 and I've paid that amount ever since.

Neil_Jones

The price increase is normal, see your T&Cs.

So if you were offered £27 and you've been paying that and its lower than the out of contract rate, then you are probably are in the contract.  Most providers upped by 14-17%% last year, and £27 + 17% = £31.61.

wild666

Neil_Jones said:

The price increase is normal, see your T&Cs.

So if you were offered £27 and you've been paying that and its lower than the out of contract rate, then you are probably are in the contract.  Most providers upped by 14-17%% last year, and £27 + 17% = £31.61.

The contract was renewed in March 2022 for 18 months paying, I think it was £27, then increased in April and again in April 2023. I didn't take up their offer to recontract for another 18 months in September 2023 as I would only be saving £6 per year and I was thinking of moving supplier but was happy with the service but not the price of £31.49 per month when I found out in January that I could change providers to one with no phone line for £25.99 per month that will be installing their service from July 2024.  

JSmithy45AD

wild666 said:

Neil_Jones said:

The price increase is normal, see your T&Cs.

So if you were offered £27 and you've been paying that and its lower than the out of contract rate, then you are probably are in the contract.  Most providers upped by 14-17%% last year, and £27 + 17% = £31.61.

The contract was renewed in March 2022 for 18 months paying, I think it was £27, then increased in April and again in April 2023. I didn't take up their offer to recontract for another 18 months in September 2023 as I would only be saving £6 per year and I was thinking of moving supplier but was happy with the service but not the price of £31.49 per month when I found out in January that I could change providers to one with no phone line for £25.99 per month that will be installing their service from July 2024.  

If you're absolutely certain that you're not in a minimum term contract then just initiate a switch.