UPC customers facing price increases in next bill

UPC customers are facing price increases from February 1.

The telecoms company began emailing some customers this week to advise them of price increases across several product ranges in television, broadband and home phone.

Some of the price increases were announced late last week, though many broadband-only customers learned of the price bump - of up to €3 a month – in an email this morning. Customers of television services could see up to €7 added.

Any customers subject to price increases will see it in their next bill.

Alongside the price change, broadband customers will see upload speeds increased from 10mb to 20mb, and those on UPC's 200mb package will see their download speed increased to 240mb.

New customers will see the speed increase immediately, and it will be rolled out to existing customers "in due course", a spokesperson said, adding that the average customer would see a €1 change in their bill.

Television customers, meanwhile, will see 20 extra channels including SyFy, Animal Planet, and Disney added to the 'Select Pack', while phone customers will have extra minutes added to some packages.

The Value TV package will now cost €30 / month, while 'Horizon Max' and 'Select Extra' will each cost €40. Broadband and phone packages will now range from €35 for 60mb broadband to €45 for 240mb.

Home phone call rates will also see increases from 3 March.

"UPC is committed to being the most competitive provider of high quality communications and entertainment services at the best prices," the company said.

"Some of our prices are changing to allow us to invest in giving our customers more entertainment than ever before and providing unbeatable superfast broadband services."

The company's social media team has been inundated with complaints from customers this morning, with customer service representatives citing "increased operating costs" as a reason for the price increase.

Customers who wish to cancel or downgrade their agreements can do so without any penalty or cancellation fees within 30 days of receiving notice from UPC.

Details are available on upc.ie/pricechanges.

— Dave Molloy