BT raises broadband and landline tariffs, TV customers to pay more for BT Sport

UK telecom services provider BT has announced price increase for its broadband and landline services, even as television customers started having to pay for BT Sport.

Broadband charges are expected to increase between 5 per cent and 6 per cent from 2 April, according to the company.

Starting August, BT TV subscribers would pay £3.50 a month for BT Sport, which had been free for broadband customers.

Landline customers would see phone plans increase, and the cost of calls would increase by 1pence a minute.

Rivals Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk had  announced price increases within the last year.

According to BT, phone rental would be frozen at £18.99 a month, while the cost of a subscription to BT TV would continue to remain the same.

The company also promised that customers would be compensated automatically if it failed to deliver on one of its service promises. The details will be announced at a future date.

Under Ofcom rules, customers unhappy with the price changes on their contract had 30 days to opt out, once they had been informed of the changes by BT.

Under the new charges, landline broadband customers would see their bills increase by £2 a month from 2 April, while customers with BT Infinity fibre broadband would see their bills rise by up to £2.50 a month, equivalent to a rise of between 5 and 6 per cent.

BT chief executive, John Petter defended the cost of the rises saying, "Customers will get a better package and improved service from us www.express.co.uk reported.