Millions of low income families missing out on £144…

Millions of low income families missing out on £144 annual Broadband discount

An estimated 4.2 million households are missing out on Broadband discounts saving them up to £144 per year.

Those in receipt of Universal Credit could be eligible for specially discounted broadband packages - sometimes known as 'social tariffs'.

But regulators Ofcom have found that only 55,000 homes have taken advantage of these discounted rates so far, meaning that millions of benefits recipients are missing out on some big savings.

Currently six broadband providers – BT, Community Fibre, G.Network, Hyperoptic, KCOM and Virgin Media O2 – offer at least one of these specially discounted deals. These packages are priced at between £10-£20 a month for broadband speeds ranging from 10Mbit/s to 67Mbit/s.

Despite the savings to be made, Ofcom’s research shows that the vast majority of benefits recipients (84%) are unaware of social tariffs, and take-up is extremely low.

The regulators said: "We have seen limited evidence of providers actively promoting their social tariffs to eligible customers. These deals don’t generally feature in broadband advertising or price comparison website searches."

Ofcom wants to see more providers promote similar deals more widely and has called for other broadband firms to support struggling households by introducing their own social tariffs.

Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom's network and communications group director, said: "People rely on their broadband for staying in touch, working and learning from home. But for those who are really struggling with rising bills, every penny counts.

"Special discounts can make all the difference, and too many broadband firms are failing either to promote their social tariff or to offer one at all. We expect companies to step up support for those on low incomes, and we’ll be watching their response."

Social tariffs offered by communications providers

All social tariffs can be claimed by people on various benefits, in or out of work, including those on Universal Credit. Please check with the provider to see if you are eligible.

BT Home Essentials

£15 a month for around 36 Mbit/s

BT Home Essentials 2

£20 a month for around 67 Mbit/s

Community Fibre

£10 a month for 10 Mbit/s

G.Network Essential Fibre Broadband

£15 a month for 50 Mbit/s

Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 50

£15 a month for 50 Mbit/s

KCOM Full Fibre Flex

£19.99 a month for 30 Mbit/s