Why your first broadband bill can be higher

First bills throw a lot of people. Yours is almost certainly correct — here's why.

Reason 1: Pro-rata for a part-month

If your service went live on the 12th and your billing day is the 1st, the first bill covers 19 days of the current month plus the next full month. That's why it's higher than the sticker price.

Reason 2: Advance billing

Broadband is billed one month in advance — you're paying for the month ahead, not the month behind.

Reason 3 (occasional): Setup fees

If your quote included a setup charge (rare on OCCTA fibre), it appears on the first invoice.

How to check yours is right

1. Note your service-live date on the invoice.
2. Note your billing day (in your dashboard).
3. Pro-rata days × (monthly price ÷ days in month) + one full month = expected total.

FAQ

Will every future bill be this high? No. From month two onwards, invoices are just the monthly price.

I'm on Direct Debit — will you take the higher amount automatically? Yes, and we give you at least 3 working days' notice by email. See Direct Debit setup.