"The new price increase announced has sparked outrage and confusion among consumers. But most contracts provide for these price changes, so there is no illegality", according to the consumer rights association DECO Proteste.

This is because "operators began to introduce, from 2017 onwards, new contractual clauses in the conditions delivered, whether in new contracts or renegotiations" and the "clauses provide for annual price updates based on the inflation rate and exclude the possibility of termination of the contract at no cost."

The increase must be clear, warns DECO Proteste

"For consumers who are within a loyalty period, their rights depend on the presence, or not, in the contract signed with the operator, of the clause that refers to the possibility of annual price updates based on the CPI or the inflation rate".

For this reason, you should check the initial contract, as well as any changes made subsequently. "In some cases, addenda were sent to the contract, which contained this clause. If you are faced with this increase, and cannot find this information, ask the operator for proof of your communication".

"If the contract (including subsequent amendments) does not include the aforementioned clause, the operator has the obligation to notify the customer before the price increase, and at least 30 days in advance. He must also warn the consumer of the possibility of end the contract without any charge, if you do not accept the new conditions", according to a report by NM.

However, "if the clause is included in the contract, the operator is not legally obliged to notify the customer before the price increase, as long as the price change to be applied is not higher than that foreseen in the index used. Therefore, the consumer cannot terminate the contract, because there is no contractual change".

Whatever the situation, the consumer protection organisation "argues that the price increase must be clear and that communication must be ensured at least 30 days in advance, in any situation, regardless of what is stated in the contract".

"The consumer must know, well in advance, what exact increase in value they will suffer, as this has an impact on family budgets".

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