Massive EE Price Increase - Can I do anything?

littlebighorse

I have been on the EE 30 Day Essential Sim 5Gb for 2 or 3 years and had been paying £7.08 a month since the most recent price increase in April. I was moved to this plan after the closure of Plusnet mobile and had been happy. The amount of data was about right for me. Odd months I would run out and it would revert to "slow mode" for a few days. They have been increasing it by the maximum they are allowed every April but as it was low to start with that has only been a few pence per year.
Out of the blue on Thursday I got a text from EE saying "Your sim plan is changing. To give you a better experience we're enhancing your SIM plan. From 15th November you'll automatically move onto this new 30 day SIM with 50GB data for £13 a month, it also includes EU roaming. If you're happy with your new plan you don't need to do anything"
So essentially they are giving me 45Gb extra data (I haven't been abroad since 2019 and have no current plans so the EU roaming isn't relevant to me) but almost doubling the cost.
Do I have any right to refuse this and remain on my old plan? Or do I just have to lump it and pay the extra (or move elsewhere at 30 days notice) even though it's a nearly doubled (and will no doubt go up another 5% or whatever next April)? It sounds like if I do nothing I will just be shunted to this new plan. Obviously I know I can call them but it would be helpful to know my rights in advance. Any help appreciated. Many Thanks.

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6686405/massive-ee-price-increase-can-i-do-anything

"It sounds like if I do nothing I will just be shunted to this new plan." That's literally what they state.

It's a 30 day rolling contract so yes, they can change it. If you're not happy, move elsewhere.

southsidergs

No you don't have the right to remain on your old plan a sit will be being discontinued. I'd be surprised if you haven't only posted part of the comms as it'll say if you do nothing it'll be put on this plan or call us to discuss your options or leave, basically those are your options

timdiecast

I'd move provider regardless. Why settle for a company that puts your prices up annually on an already high price?

It sound to me you're on a 30 day 'No commitment' contract and you can leave whenever you like.

You can get 5GB for £5 with Lebara (with no annual price rise) or Talk Home-

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/best-pay-as-you-go-sim-cards/

TadleyBaggie

As above, the £5 Lebara deal works fine. My wife has that deal for a number of years and it has never increased price.

southsidergs

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165394#Comment_82165394

Maybe some people prefer a company who owns & maintains the network rather than taking a gamble with a mvno where some things might not work, it's not all about a race to the bottom for everyone

Frozen_up_north

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165425#Comment_82165425

It's about money saving and the "big 3" networks tend to charge an arm and a leg, then increase it again each year.

FWIW, both 1p Mobile (EE network) and GiffGaff (O2 network) are pretty good to use. I have been with GG and am now with 1p. You can save a little bit without being among the dirt at the bottom.

oldagetraveller1

There's a MSE Lebara plan at the moment £2.34/month for 9 months, £4.90/month thereafter.

I'm on a MSE Lebara deal at the moment. Not as good as this offer!

littlebighorse

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165388#Comment_82165388

You are correct. I left off the bit after "you do not need to do anything". It reads "To view your plan details or explore other options click here https.discover.ee.co.uk/ Terms apply.
I didn't really think it was that important. Otherwise I posted absolutely everything.

littlebighorse

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165388#Comment_82165388

Thanks for the advice. An almost 100% price increase for no benefit to me is just a bit too much so it sounds like I shall have to move on from EE then.

Stompa

If you want to stick with the EE network, then I'd go for 1pmobile, £5 for 5GB, so cheaper than you're currently paying:

https://www.1pmobile.com/siminfo?prodid=SB5