Millions of Britons miss out on cheap broadband, due to lack of awareness on offers

Over half of low-income households in the UK are unaware of low-cost broadband deals available to them, according to a report by communications regulator Ofcom. The watchdog expressed concern that households are not receiving sufficient advice about the possibility of switching to social tariffs, which cost between £10 and £20 per month and are offered to customers on benefits. 

Ofcom estimates that millions of families could save around £200 annually by switching. While uptake of these deals has quadrupled since January 2021, the majority of eligible households are still missing out on savings. The regulator claims that lack of awareness is the main reason for this. Eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Income Support, and current providers include BT, Virgin Media, and EE, among others.

According to Ofcom, approximately 4.3 million UK households could be benefiting from cheaper broadband, but just 220,000 households – or 5% – are currently signed up for the offer. Consumer groups are urging households to investigate available packages, particularly given the cost of living crisis, as social tariffs are shorter-term contracts and do not include early exit fees.