Many households will see higher mobile and internet bills from January 2026.
If you are with Movistar, Orange, or Vodafone, the beginning of 2026 may come with unwelcome news. All three major telecom operators have confirmed price increases for mobile and internet services that will take effect almost simultaneously.
For many households, this means higher costs for fibre, mobile, or bundled packages without significant improvements to service. As a result, an increasing number of customers are exploring other options and evaluating whether staying with their current provider is truly beneficial.
When the price increases start and the new costs
Vodafone will implement its price hikes first, starting January 8, 2026. Customers can expect an average bill increase of around 3.9%, affecting mobile lines, fibre connections, and combined packages. This rise slightly exceeds the forecast inflation rate, a fact noted by consumer groups.
Following closely, Orange will increase the majority of its tariffs by approximately 3.8% starting January 12. This translates to several extra euros each month, with fibre and mobile bundles potentially rising by up to €5, and packages that include television possibly increasing by around €6.
Movistar will introduce its price changes on January 13, 2026, completing this coordinated series of increases. Most fibre and mobile services will rise by about 4%, whether bundled or standalone. The basic subscription for Movistar Plus+ will increase from €13 to €14 per month, and premium packages like Fútbol Total will rise from €49 to €50.
In summary, three major operators have announced similar increases that will take effect within five days.
Why these increases are particularly concerning
The impact of these price hikes varies depending on individual circumstances. For someone with just one mobile line, the increase may be minimal, but families with multiple lines, fibre connections, and television services could see a significant increase in their overall bills.
The telecom companies cite rising costs, particularly for television content and sports rights, as well as ongoing investments in fibre and 5G networks, as justifications for the increases. While this reasoning may seem valid on the surface, many customers feel they are being asked to pay more without receiving noticeable improvements in return.
This frustration is intensified by the broader economic climate. Households are already managing various costs, including mortgages, rent, food prices, and energy bills. The rising telecom costs add another burden to fixed expenses.
For some, it’s not solely the amount that frustrates them; it’s the perception that these increases are automatic and recurring each year.
What customers can do before January arrives
Despite how inevitable these price hikes may seem, customers still have options. Now is the time to pay attention to notifications from operators, whether received via email, SMS, or through their apps. These messages are crucial because a price increase constitutes a unilateral change to the contract, allowing customers the right to cancel or modify their plan without penalties, even if they are still within a minimum commitment period.
This situation opens up several possibilities. Some customers may opt to downgrade to simpler tariffs, eliminating extras they seldom use. Others might choose to switch providers entirely.
In recent years, low-cost operators and virtual mobile providers have become more popular, offering cheaper fibre and mobile plans without long-term contracts. While these options may not include additional features like football or premium channels, many users find these extras no longer justify the higher prices.
Comparing offers now—rather than waiting for the first inflated bill—can make a significant difference.
Why many are considering a switch
This is not the first time telecom prices have increased in January, but the timing and uniformity of these hikes have resonated with customers. When all three major operators raise prices simultaneously, customers feel their choices are limited, prompting many to explore alternatives.
More people are asking themselves whether they are truly getting value for their money, and increasingly, they are answering no.
As 2026 approaches, switching providers is perceived not as a hassle but as a way to regain control over household spending. For those willing to invest a little time in comparing available offers, switching may be the simplest path to starting the new year without facing another rising bill.
Ignoring these changes, however, almost guarantees a more expensive January than anticipated.
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