Telecoms customers must be provided with a summary of the main contract terms before entering a contract, under new rules that come into force today. This is designed to help people avoid being caught out by surprise price rises, at a time when household budgets are under heavy strain. The new rule also requires firms to set out the terms and conditions if a customer decides to end their contract early. Customers with disabilities can also request to receive the documents in an accessible format.

Some providers offer deals that include a price rise linked to inflation that takes effect during the contract. From today, when customers take out a new contract, firms that use this calculation are required to provide a straightforward price example to a customer of how this is likely to affect the price they will pay.