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Virgin Media customers are to see their bills leap 4.7% this autumn in a price rise that will affect up to five million households.

The firm said the 'majority' of customers will see their bills jump in November - with increases of between £1.99 and £3.99 a month - although this will depend on the type of package you're signed up to.

Customers with Virgin broadband, phone and TV plans will see their bills rise by £3.49 to £3.99, broadband only and broadband and phone customers will see their bills go up by £1.99 to £2.99.

The announcement follows three price hikes last year - one of which included a 5.1% jump for 5.2 million customers across its plethora of services.

The new changes will take effect on 1 November 2017, although Virgin has warned that some customers could see changes to their bills as early as October 2017.

The telecoms giant told Mirror Money it's now in the process of writing to consumers to inform them of the changes.

A Virgin Media spokesperson said: "We do everything we can to balance keeping our prices competitive while investing to meet the ever-increasing appetite for broadband and content.

"Online usage increased by more than 35% in the last year and streaming now accounts for nearly 60% of the total traffic on Virgin Media’s network.

"We’re investing more in our ultrafast network to continue offering the UK’s fastest widely-available speeds.

"This all comes on top of must-see TV programming – from Virgin TV Exclusives to the only place where you can watch all of the live football action from both Sky and BT Sport in a single package."

In a statement, the network also announced the arrival of three new packages this autumn, including the 'Full House' plan that allows customers to bolt on Sky channels to their package. Prices start from £15 for Sky Cinema, £25 for Sky Sports and £35 for both.

3 ways YOU can beat the rise

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1. You have 30 days to quit penalty-free

Under Ofcom rules, if a provider hikes prices out-of-the-blue, you have the right to cancel the contract penalty-free within 30 days.

To do this you'll need confirmation of the price rise to hand - such as a letter or email - you'll also have to give them 30 days notice.

2. Or haggle for a better deal

Alternatively, use the opportunity to get a better deal.

Ewan Taylor Gibson, broadband expert at uSwitch.com, explains: “Those who want to try and find a cheaper deal with another provider now have 30 days to leave without penalty from receiving a notification of the increase from Virgin.

“But with price hikes now an annual event across all providers, it doesn’t leave many ways to turn. The best way to keep costs down is to ensure you switch whenever you get the chance, and take advantage of an introductory deal for new customers.”

Don't settle at the first offer through. Networks will always offer the lowest deal first - but keep at it until you've matched your benchmark price. If you decide to stay, don't forget to ask about any freebies you may be entitled to - like a new TV box or free broadband for a month.

3. Ditch the TV package

(Image: Moment Open)

If you rarely watch television, it might be time to reconsider your package to make sure you're not over-spending. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

The best alternative TV and broadband deals out there

(Image: Getty)

We've teamed up with MoneySupermarket to bring you the best three deals this week - have a scroll below to see what's on offer.

1. TalkTalk TV with Fast Broadband, Sky Sports & Sky Cinema

What's the deal? Unlimited TalkTalk TV, internet and weekend calls.

Package costs £32.45 a month for 12 months, set up and installation is free.

2. NOW TV Combo: Brilliant Broadband with Entertainment Month Pass

What's the deal? Unlimited broadband and access to Sky Entertainment channels. Free calls not included.

Package costs £24.99 a month for 12 months, set up and installation is free.

3. EE TV with Unlimited Broadband and Weekend Calls

What's the deal? Unlimited TV, broadband and free evening/weekend calls. A free £75 Amazon voucher is also included.

This deal costs £32.50 month for 18 months, and includes a £7 set-up fee.