Ofcom has now begun consultation on a new ruling which will allow users to escape minimum mobile and broadband contracts if the price is increased.

Following hundreds of complaints the regulator feels it could be time to take action.

Public outcry has been increasing following a year of surprise price rises, which have been introduced to users even if they are already in a contract. It has left many users with little or no power to react, which could now be coming to an end.

Currently many fixed-term contracts for mobile and broadband services include terms and conditions which allow the operator to increase prices, providing they give 30 days notice. Though many customers have stated similar prices rises are unfair, and find it difficult to understand how this can be done when they have signed up to a supposedly fixed-price deal.

In 2012 Vodafone, Three, T-Mobile and Orange were guilty of similar price rises, with their customers left with no power to escape their deals. In addition to giving users power to leave their contract, Ofcom also wants to make networks highlight the possibility of prices rises much more clearly.

The consultation is due to last until 14th March 2013, with a decision due in June this year.