According to Sky, the price increase comes in response to rising wholesale network costs, which have impacted the company’s ability to maintain affordable pricing while continuing to improve its services. Despite the rise, Sky is offering affected customers the option to leave their contracts without penalty, giving them the flexibility to explore other options if they are dissatisfied.
Why Sky Mobile is Increasing Prices After Seven Years
Sky Mobile’s recent price increase is significant as it marks the first mid-contract price rise for its customers since 2019. The company states that the increase is necessary to cover the rising costs of running and improving their mobile network. According to a Sky Mobile spokesperson, the hike will affect the majority of customers, with £1.50 per month being the most common increase, which amounts to £18 a year. However, some customers may experience a slightly higher or lower increase, depending on their individual plans.
In explaining the rise, Sky points to increasing wholesale network costs, which have put pressure on the mobile industry. These rising costs are affecting providers across the sector, and the price adjustment is seen as a necessary step to ensure continued investment in network improvements. Despite this, Sky has assured customers that it has worked hard to keep the price rise as low as possible, particularly when compared to similar changes made by other major providers.
The price increase will come into effect from February 14, 2026, and Sky has already begun notifying affected customers. This price change is expected to affect both current contract holders and those out of contract. However, customers who joined or upgraded their plans after November 2025 will not be impacted, as they are already paying the updated prices.
What Are Your Options if You Are Affected?
Customers who are in the minimum term of their contract and are unhappy with the price increase will have the right to cancel their plan without facing early termination fees. This 30-day cancellation window begins as soon as the customer receives the notification, not when the price increase is implemented. According to Sky, this policy is in line with Ofcom’s rules, which aim to protect consumers from unexpected mid-contract price hikes.
For customers who do not wish to leave, Sky has also highlighted the option to haggle for a better deal. Research by MoneySavingExpert found that 72% of customers who haggled with Sky were able to secure more favourable terms. Sky has encouraged customers to contact their customer service teams to explore options for lowering their monthly bill.
While the price increase is being implemented across the board, some groups will remain unaffected. Sky’s social tariff, aimed at supporting those on low incomes, will remain frozen for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, certain data tariffs are exempt from the rise, though Sky has not disclosed the full details of these exceptions.
The increase follows similar price hikes by other major mobile providers, including O2, Three, and Vodafone, with each announcing their own adjustments to help cover rising costs. However, the Sky Mobile increase is considered relatively modest, with some customers facing higher price rises of £2.50 to £3.50 per month from competitors.
Overall, while the price hike may be unwelcome for many, it is part of a broader trend across the industry driven by rising operational costs. Sky Mobile’s relatively small increase and customer-friendly cancellation policy provide some flexibility for those who wish to explore other options.
