Vodafone hits customers with increase to phone bills

Vodafone customers could be forced to pay up to $48 more per year for their mobile phone plan following the latest price hike in the telecommunications industry.

Customers received an email on Wednesday afternoon notifying them of a $4 increase to their mobile plan, which would come into effect on March 27.

The email said the bill hike was required as the company invested in the network following an increase in the amount of usage on their network.

The company also reassured customers their monthly data allowance would increase alongside the bill.

“At Vodafone, we continue to invest in our network, technology platforms and security infrastructure to provide a better experience for our customers while handling an increasing amount of usage on our network,” Vodafone said in an email to customers.

“We are getting in touch to let you know about upcoming changes to your mobile plan.

“From March 27, the monthly plan fee of the plans outlined below will increase by $4 a month and the monthly data allowance on your account will increase.”

A Vodafone spokesperson said the increases would affect many of the existing postpaid mobile plans.

“These changes have been made in response to the continuing high costs of doing business and to support ongoing investments in our networks, technology, and security,” they said.

“Vodafone remains committed to offering great value to our customers.

“As part of these changes, we are increasing the monthly data allowance for most of the impacted postpaid plans so customers can continue browsing, streaming and enjoying all the activities they love on their mobile devices.”

Customers who have plans increasing will receive at least 10GB of extra data, with some customers to receive more than 60GB depending on their plan.

The increase comes after telco giant Telstra increased the price of phone packages by $2-6 per month last year, forcing Australian’s to pay up to $72 more for their phone plan every year.

At the time, Telstra small business executive Brad Whitcomb said the decision to raise costs was made in line with the annual consumer price index.

“Like most businesses in Australia, we are also responding to increasing costs,” Mr Whitcomb said.

“We know price rises can be hard for some people, especially when cost of living pressures are high.

“We want to be clear on why we’re doing this and what’s available if you need support.

“Increasing our prices means we can continue investing in the things that matter for our customers.”

Customers were left stnned by the sudden price hike.

“Cheeky doing while still in contract,” one person said.

“Surely you can’t increase price mid contract?” wrote another.