Last updated: October 2026. Prices and contract terms can change; check your own O2 agreement before acting.
O2’s current pricing page says that from April 2027 its monthly airtime price will increase by £2.50 for voice plans and 75p for data-only and smartwatch plans. O2 says the device element of a device plan remains frozen.
Check O2’s current price-change page.
What Ofcom changed
Since January 2025, providers offering new contracts with scheduled in-contract rises cannot describe those rises using inflation-linked formulas or percentages. If a contract contains a specified future rise, it must be shown clearly in pounds and pence before you sign up.
Can you leave penalty-free?
It depends on your contract. Ofcom explains that if a provider raises the price beyond what you agreed, it generally must give at least one month’s notice and a right to exit without penalty.
But if the future increase was clearly set out in pounds and pence when you signed up, applying that agreed rise does not automatically create a penalty-free exit.
If you want to switch
Check whether you are still in your minimum term and whether an early termination charge applies. If keeping your number, you can use the PAC switching process. Compare allowance, coverage, roaming, contract length, handset costs and scheduled increases — not only the headline monthly price.
If affordability is the problem
Check whether you are paying for more data or services than you need and compare SIM-only options. If you’re struggling with household connectivity costs, our broadband price rises and social tariffs guide may also help.
What to do before the O2 price increase
A price rise is a good prompt to check whether your plan still suits you. Work through these steps before the new price kicks in:
Phone bills are one of those costs that quietly creep up. A couple of pounds a month doesn’t sound like much, but across a whole family it adds up quickly, and price rises are a perfect nudge to check whether you’re still on the right deal. Here’s what the O2 increase means, whether you can leave, and how to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to.
- Check your contract terms. Look up the price-rise clause in your contract or your O2 account so you know exactly how much your bill will change.
- Look at your real usage. Check how much data, minutes and texts you actually use each month. Many people pay for far more data than they need.
- Know your contract end date. If you are out of contract, or close to it, you have the most bargaining power.
- Compare SIM-only deals. If you own your handset, a SIM-only plan on O2 or another network is often much cheaper.
- Ask about a better deal. Contact O2, explain you are comparing prices and ask what they can offer to keep you.
Switching networks without the hassle
If you decide to leave, you can keep your number. Text PAC to 65075 to get your switching code, then give it to your new provider, who will arrange the move. Check whether you will pay an early exit fee first, and make sure any device you are still paying off is accounted for.
What the rise could cost your family
Using O2’s published figures, here’s how the April 2027 increase adds up across a household:
| Household | Extra each month | Extra each year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 voice plan | £2.50 | £30 |
| 2 voice plans | £5 | £60 |
| 4 voice plans (family) | £10 | £120 |
| 1 data-only or smartwatch plan | 75p | £9 |
That’s the increase alone, on top of what you already pay, so it’s well worth five minutes to check your options.
A simple script for calling O2
Before you call, have your current usage, your contract end date and a cheaper quote from another network ready. Then try something like this:
“Hi, I’ve been looking at my bill and the upcoming price rise. I’m happy with O2’s coverage, but I’ve found a cheaper SIM-only deal elsewhere. Is there anything you can do on price, or a plan that better matches what I actually use?”
Be polite, be patient, and don’t accept the first offer if it isn’t right. If they can’t help, it’s fine to say you’ll think about it.
SIM-only networks worth comparing
If you own your phone outright, SIM-only deals are often much cheaper. Some networks even use O2’s signal, so your coverage may feel the same. Networks worth comparing include giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile (all on O2’s network), as well as VOXI, SMARTY, iD Mobile and Lebara. Check each network’s own price-rise terms too, so you know what you’re signing up to.
If money is tight: social tariffs
If you get certain benefits, you may be able to get a cheaper social tariff for your phone or broadband. Ofcom keeps a list of social tariffs and who qualifies. My broadband price rises guide covers home broadband too.
How to check how much data you really use
Many of us pay for far more data than we need. Here’s how to check before choosing a new plan:
- On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Data, and look at the current period usage.
- On Android, go to Settings, then Network or Connections, then Data usage.
- Check your O2 app or online account for the last few months, as usage changes month to month.
- Notice whether you’re usually on Wi-Fi at home and work, which reduces how much mobile data you need.
- Choose a plan that covers your typical month with a little headroom, rather than unlimited by default.
If you find you only use a few gigabytes a month, a smaller SIM-only plan could cut your bill significantly.
Before you switch: a quick checklist
- Check your contract end date and any early exit fees.
- Check coverage at home and work on the new network’s coverage checker.
- Make sure your phone is unlocked if you’re moving networks.
- Get your PAC code if you want to keep your number.
- Note the new network’s price-rise terms, so there are no surprises next year.
O2 price increase: your questions answered
How much is the O2 price increase in April 2027?
O2’s price-change page says monthly airtime prices will rise by £2.50 for voice plans and 75p for data-only and smartwatch plans from April 2027. Check O2’s price page and your own agreement for the details that apply to you.
Can I leave O2 because of the price rise?
It depends on your contract. If the rise was clearly set out in pounds and pence when you signed up, you may not get a penalty-free exit. If O2 raises your price beyond what you agreed, Ofcom says you should get notice and the right to leave without penalty.
Does the O2 price rise apply to my phone payments?
O2 says the device part of a device plan stays frozen; the increase applies to the airtime part. Check your Device Plan agreement to be sure.
How do I keep my number if I switch?
Text PAC to 65075 to get your switching code, then give it to your new network. They’ll handle the move, and you’ll usually keep your number.
Which networks use the O2 network?
giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile all use O2’s network, so your coverage may be similar if you switch to one of them.
Is SIM-only cheaper than a contract with a phone?
Usually, if you already own your handset. You pay only for airtime, and short or rolling SIM-only plans give you the freedom to switch again if prices rise.
Can I switch to a SIM-only deal while I’m still paying off my phone?
If you’re on a Device Plan, the device and airtime parts may be separate. Check your agreement to see whether you can change your airtime plan, and remember you’ll still need to pay off the device.
Is unlimited data worth it?
Only if you regularly use a lot of data away from Wi-Fi, such as streaming on the go or using your phone as a hotspot. Most people use far less, so check your usage first.
Do I need to unlock my phone to switch networks?
Most phones sold in the UK are now sold unlocked, but older handsets may be locked to a network. Check your phone settings or ask your provider before switching.
A price rise doesn’t have to mean a bigger bill. Check your usage, compare a couple of deals and make that call. If you’re reviewing all your household bills, my money makeover guide and subscription cost calculator are good next steps.
