T-Mobile UK customers can look forward to paying their mobile network an additional 3.7% per month for their tariffs after the company announced a price hike.
The network says the increase applies to “consumer and business pay monthly customers who joined T-Mobile prior to 1 February 2012” while those “on our latest consumer tariffs such as You Fix, Full Monty, the rest of our current consumer pay monthly tariffs and Mobile Broadband will not be impacted.”
The increase comes into effect from May 9th but is restricted to tariffs – out of tariff call costs, texts and boosters are unaffected.
The company blames the increase on “rising costs of the business linked to inflation”. In February 2012 the RPI rate was 3.7% – the amount of the announced increase.
Unhappy customers hoping to cancel due to the increased prices look set to be disappointed.
An FAQ on T-Mobile’s website states: “Our pay monthly terms and conditions allow us to increase charges up to the Retail Price Index (RPI) figure in any 12 month period” and advises that those cancelling would “need to pay any cancellation charges that may apply”
A T-Mobile spokesperson told us: “We are sorry to say that we will be increasing the price of some of our monthly plans by 3.7% from 9th May 2012. On a £15 plan, this would represent a £0.55p monthly increase.
“The increase is a result of the rising costs of the business, linked to inflation, as well as our desire to continually invest in our network and propositions to provide the best service for our customers.
“Call, text and data rates will not be changing, and we are confident that we continue to offer our customers great value, rewarding deals, and the best network and service possible.
“Between 28th March and 3rd April 2012 all customers affected by the price increase will be contacted by letter with the full details. They will also be directed to a dedicated web page with an online calculator and frequently asked questions page for more information.”