Nearly 5 million people missing out on £220 a year, broadband experts warn
Millions of people are not taking advantage of easily accessible discounts on broadband worth an average of £220, despite being eligible, experts have warned.
Broadband social tariffs are generally offered to low-income households or those receiving certain benefits such as Universal Credit. Exact eligibility varies between providers; Many large companies now offer some type of cheaper product.
According to Broadband Genie’s research, around 5.3 million households in the UK are eligible for lower tariffs, but around 4.8 million households are not currently making such a claim.
Broadband experts say this means £1.05bn is “left on the table” and are urging those eligible to look at the scheme.
Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl, a platform that helps connect disabled people with discounts, said the issue was a “flagrant cost of living scandal”.
He added: “Millions of people on low incomes, including disabled people and those on Universal Credit, are overpaying for broadband because they don’t know help is available.”
There are currently various social tariffs on the market. BT has three offers called ‘Home Essentials’ tariffs for people based on their income and needs.
This starts from £16 a month for 12 months of 36Mb broadband for those on no income. Next up, for those on lower incomes, there is an offer of 36Mb for £22 per month and finally 67Mb for £25 per month. Each comes with an installation fee of £11.99.
Other well-known providers offering social broadband plans include Now, Sky, Virgin and Vodaphone, all of which cost up to £20 per month.
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There are also some smaller providers that offer social tariffs that are not available nationwide. This includes Community Fiber, Hyperoptic and Kcom.
Ms Colman added: “Broadband is an essential service and at a time when households can save around £220 a year, people are being let down by the lack of awareness of social tariffs. “Providers need to do much more to actively tell customers what they are entitled to.
“If broadband does not become affordable, disabled people not only lose internet connectivity, they lose a vital lifeline. For many, it is a way to stay in touch with family, access support, manage their health and avoid isolation. Disabled people are already more likely to experience loneliness, and by pricing them out of broadband risks, it cuts them off from the world at a time when digital access is no longer optional.”
Around £24bn of support is predicted to remain unclaimed in 2025/26 due to reasons such as stigma, complexity and lack of awareness, according to research unit Policy in Practice. Broadband represents the biggest missed social tariff; Missed Universal Credit claims top the list of benefits missed, with £11.1bn unclaimed.
For the latest benefits and cost of living dates and advice, visit The Independent’s regularly updated guide
