End of contract notifications to be sent to all broadband customers

As of today, you can wave goodbye to being automatically switched to a more expensive broadband tariff. From the 15th February, broadband, pay-TV and mobile phone providers will have to send end of contract notifications to customers.

The new rule comes after Ofcom decided in May last year that companies should be required to let customers know when their minimum contract period was coming to an end.

Ofcom end of contract notification regulations

If you're one of the 8.8 million broadband customers who has been caught out by your contract coming to an end you'll probably be letting out a cheer. There's nothing worse than finding an extra £5 disappearing to your broadband provider without you realising.

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However, it gets better. Companies will have to send notification between 10 and 40 days before the end of a contract. This should include when the contract ends and any changes to the service or price at the end of that period.

But, the notification will also have to include information on the best tariffs available from their provider. You will easily be able to see if you are getting a good deal or losing out as it will show prices available to new customers. Making the process of deciding whether to switch and save much easier.

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'Until now, provided have been content to allow loyal customers to pay a great deal more than new subscribers,' comments Matt Powell, editor at Broadband Genie. 'Many broadband deals are sold with discounts for the initial contract term. These are often good value for the first 12 or 18 months the cost after the discount ends can be substantially higher. '

'Regularly switching will let you take advantage of the latest offers, and perhaps get you a faster connection,' he advises. 'And if you don't want to switch you should always negotiate with the provider at the end of your contract term to see if a better deal is available.'

Do you know if your contract is coming to an end soon? You will after today.

Rebecca Knight has been the Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2025; previously, she was the Deputy Digital Editor from 2022. She has a Master's degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London and has been writing about homes and interiors for 7 years. Her expertise lies in DIY projects, home decor trends and spotting the latest high street homeware buys that are about to go viral. She bought her first home in London last year and is currently renovating it (on a budget).