London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Sunday, May 18, 2025

Can you get cheaper broadband deals with social tariffs?

Can you get cheaper broadband deals with social tariffs?

Up to one million people have cancelled their broadband in the past year because of the high cost of living, a survey by Citizens Advice suggests.

But, at the same time, according to the regulator, Ofcom, 4.3 million eligible people are missing out on cheaper broadband deals.

Here are some things to consider if you're wondering whether you could pay less to get online.


What if I can't afford to pay my broadband bill?


First, tell your supplier.

According to the government, people struggling to pay their bills can access support to stay connected - such as through payment plans or by being allowed to switch to a cheaper internet package without paying a penalty fee.

This might mean dropping down to a package with a slower internet speed, though this could present challenges for people in larger households.

People near the end of your contract may benefit by switching to a different supplier altogether - or may be able to negotiate down the price of their current package.

But other support is available for people struggling with their bills.


Am I eligible for a social tariff?


Ofcom has helped bring so-called social broadband and mobile tariffs, which aim to support people on universal credit and other means-tested benefits, to the market.

You are eligible for a social tariff if you receive any of the following benefits:

*  universal credit

*  pension credit

*  income support

*  income-based jobseeker's allowance

*  income-related employment support allowance

Ofcom's website also states a social tariff can be accessed as long as one person in your household claims universal credit.


I'm eligible, what next?


The social tariffs can be found on Ofcom's website.

Prices range between £10 and £20 per month, depending on the package and offering a variety of different internet speeds.

For example, Virgin Media offers:

*  a 15Mbps package for £12.50 per month

*  a 54Mbps package at £20 per month

There also other benefits to a social tariff beyond the relatively low monthly fee. There are no charges for getting a package, no fee to leave before the contract expires, and the price won't increase midway through.

However, which package you can access will depend on where you live, as not all properties can receive every broadband service. Those in rural areas in particular will have limited options.


Do I need 200Mbps or just 20?


Before choosing a supplier you should consider exactly what internet speed suits your particular needs.

That comes down to:

*  what you're using the internet for

*  how many people live in your home

BBC iPlayer and Netflix both recommend a 5Mbps connection to stream a programme in high quality, so you might think a 10Mbps connection is enough.

But the moment two people in a household are both streaming video, that would put the connection at capacity - and that's assuming you aren't using your phone while streaming video.

You should also keep in mind the speeds quoted are average speeds. A 100Mbps connection may sound like a lot - but you may not get that speed all of the time.


I can't access a social tariff - are there still cheap deals?


If you're not eligible for a social tariff, your best bet would be to use a comparison website to see what deals are available in your area.

At the time of writing, for example, there are 67Mbps broadband packages available for about £25 per month from some suppliers.

But you should be aware the advertised costs change as companies increase their prices every spring - with the highest price hike coming in at 17.3% this April.

This means a person paying £25 per month in March 2023 may have seen their bill increase to more than £29, with another potential price hike coming in 2024.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
U.S. and Philippine Forces Test High-Powered Microwave Weapons in Joint Exercise
China Unveils Advanced AI Surveillance Tools at 12th Police Equipment Expo
Japan's Three Major Banks Report Record High Net Profits for Second Consecutive Year
The Chinese Dragon: The True Winner in the India-Pakistan Clash
US and EU Make Progress in Trade Talks, While Vietnam Negotiations Also Advance
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial: Ex-Girlfriend Cassie Ventura Testifies About Alleged Abuse
Former Wales Rugby Star Jamie Roberts to Pursue Medical Career
Australia's Venomous Creatures Contribute to Life-Saving Antivenom Programme
Passenger Travels Under Wrong Identity on British Airways Flight
Former FBI Director James Comey Questioned by Secret Service Over Social Media Post
The Spanish Were Right: Long Working Hours Harm Brain Function
After 108 Years: Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating
Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
US and UAE Partner to Develop Massive AI Data Center Complex
Russia and Ukraine Hold First Direct Peace Talks in Three Years — But No Breakthrough Yet
Apple's $95 Million Siri Settlement: Eligible Users Have Until July 2 to File Claims
US and UAE Reach Preliminary Agreement on Nvidia AI Chip Imports
KREMLIN has just approved Senator ALEXANDER " THE EXPERIMENT" KARELIN, of Novosibrisk, as Chief Negotiator at the Meeting in ISTANBUL with Ukraine & USA.
Shocking Footage Released: Diddy Caught Dragging Cassie in Brutal Hotel Hallway Assault
Starlink Now Profitable: SpaceX Hits Major Milestone with $11.8 Billion in Revenue
Portuguese Right-Wing Leader Collapses During Campaign Rally
A Pakistani imam in Italy gave a sermon stating that every Muslim should fight the infidels or face ‘catastrophic consequences’.
President Trump and Elon Musk Welcomed by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim with Cybertruck Convoy
EU Court Orders Disclosure of von der Leyen’s Texts with Pfizer CEO Over €35 Billion Vaccine Deal
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Tech Magnet with U.S. Backing and Trump’s Visit
Mexican Influencer Valeria Márquez Killed During Livestream in Suspected Femicide
This man went to take $5,000 out his own bank account and was arrested for it
This was President's departure from Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince personally escorted him back to the airport.
CIA Files Reveal Klaus Barbie's Role in Bolivian Drug Trade and Dictatorship Support
Daughter of crypto boss escapes Paris kidnap in latest in series of attacks
U.S. FDA to Remove Oral Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Gut Health Concerns
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Challenges Facing EU Foreign Policy Amidst Diverging Interests
Reports Reveal Alarming Cognitive Decline in Biden Prior to Election Withdrawal
Trump Meets Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in Historic Encounter
South Africans chant call to genocide against White people.
Trump takes a blow torch to the neocons and interventionists while speaking to the Saudis
Why Saudi Arabia Rolled Out a Purple Carpet for Donald Trump Instead of Red
Flip flop: UK Introduces New Immigration Policy to Reduce Net Migration
Elon Musk Joins Trump Meeting in Saudi Arabia
Poland Tightens Immigration Policy with New Plan to Suspend Asylum Law
Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to accept gift of Qatari plane
8-Year-Old Orders 70,000 Lollipops Using Mother’s Phone, Prompting $4,200 Amazon Bill and Viral Facebook Plea
Quantum Computing Threatens Bitcoin Security
American citizens account for 70% of worldwide pharmaceutical sales despite comprising only 4% of global population
New Details Emerge on Syrian Attacker's Motives in German Festival Stabbing
Brazil’s President Aims to Strengthen Ties with China Amid US Trade Tensions
Senate Democrats Move to Censure Trump Over Qatar Jet Gift
×