UK CPI annual rate: communication
UK CPI annual rate: communication stood at 5.3% in Aug 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Consumer price inflation table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1989 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Consumer price inflation table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPI annual rate by division | |||||||||||
| Communication | 5.3 | 5 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.8 | |
| Recreation and culture | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.9 |
Understanding UK CPI annual rate: communication
Expenditure by households on postal services, courier deliveries, fixed-line telephony, mobile network tariffs, and internet access provision across the United Kingdom forms this index. The metric monitors household subscription plans, device data packages, and postal delivery fees incurred throughout the United Kingdom, excluding business telecommunications infrastructure and enterprise data networks. Hardware purchases such as smartphones and computers are categorised separately under recreation and household goods.
When reviewing this series, analysts should account for annual contract price escalations tied to inflation indices, which often take effect simultaneously across major network providers. Month-on-month figures remain subdued for long periods until contractual tariff adjustments or promotional package changes occur, making the twelve-month comparison vital. Comparisons with other service divisions should consider the heavy regulatory oversight and rapid technological change characteristic of the sector across the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
- Are mobile phones and computers included here?
- No, electronic hardware devices are recorded under separate divisions for equipment and recreation.
- Why do contract price adjustments cause sudden index jumps?
- Many telecom operators apply simultaneous annual tariff increases across their subscriber bases.
- Does this cover business telephone accounts?
- No, commercial communications and corporate network expenditure are excluded.