People who have stayed with the same internet provider for years are often paying significantly more than new customers, consumer watchdog ACM warned on Monday.

The ACM said long-standing customers can end up paying as much as €10 a month more than the advertised price for a comparable subscription because their introductory discount has expired and annual inflation adjustments have been added in.

The regulator said telecom companies often don’t provide proper clear and transparent information about contract status, price rises and services to their clients.

In particular, providers must do more to inform customers when contracts end, explain renewal options and price changes, and offer suitable advice on internet speeds, the ACM said.

The issue particularly affects customers whose contracts roll over automatically. Earlier research by the ACM showed that people with slower internet connections often pay more than those with faster packages.

“Our research shows that the provision of information is often lacking and so we are drawing up guidelines for providers,” ACM board member Manon Leijten said. “And we are going to make sure they comply.”