Culture secretary asks UK broadband firms to raise awareness of social tariffs

Date:
Tue, 05 Apr 2022 07:40:56 +0000

Description:
Only a fraction of households eligible for social tariffs currently benefit, Ofcom statistics claim.

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Culture secretary Nadine Dorries has written to the UKs broadband providers urging them to do more to promote social broadband tariffs, weeks after Ofcom published proposals to the same effect.

In the letter, Dorries expressed her gratitude for the work already done by the telecoms industry in deploying superfast broadband and for keeping the country during the pandemic at a time when connectivity has never been more important to society.

However, she also said there was much to do to drive awareness of more affordable packages that are available to households on Universal Credit. Broadband affordability

Broadband has transformed peoples lives as we become a more digital society and I believe its vital we raise awareness of discount broadband offers for low-income households, Dorries wrote.

The letter largely echoed Ofcoms proposals and reiterated statistics
published by the communications regulator last month. Ofcoms research shows that around 1.1 million households (5% of the UK) struggle to afford their broadband service, a figure which rises to one in ten among the lowest income households.

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At least six broadband providers BT, Community Fibre, G.Network, Hyperoptic, KCOM and Virgin Media O2 offer at least one discounted deal to anyone receiving universal credit. These tariffs cost between 10 and 20, and speeds range from 10Mbps to 67Mbps. However just 2% of those eligible for social tariffs have taken out a subscription.

Under Ofcoms proposals, broadband providers would have to actively ofer and promote social tariffs, with only 84% of those eligible aware of their existence. Ofcom also wants firms to work more closely with debt charities
and to signpost free advice, while it adamant that service restrictions or disconnections in a bid to force payment should be avoided.

Since Ofcoms initial research was published in February, BT has committed to ensuring its social tariff is clearly available in its retail stores as well as online. If you're looking for something cheaper then here are the best broadband deals



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/culture-secretary-asks-broadband-firms-to-raise -awareness-of-social-tariffs/


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