Broadband and mobile phone firms should ditch plans for “grossly unfair” bill increases this spring, argues Which?

Consumers are still facing price rises linked to inflation plus an extra charge, the consumer group says.

That is despite new rules that are expected to come into force later this year that will ban this approach.

BT said it had been “clear and transparent” over its rises. Shell Energy Broadband said it was keeping rises below those of its rivals.

Other phone and broadband companies declined to comment on Which?’s figures, which suggested some customers could be paying up to £35 more for their broadband over the next year and up to £27 more for a Sim-only phone contract, after prices rise in April.

The alternative – paying a fee to exit the contract early – was often much more costly, as much as £339 for some Vodafone customers, Which? said.