Eligible but Unaware: A Multitude of Vulnerable Individuals Remain Uninformed About Social Tariff Benefits
In the UK, five major broadband providers – Sky, BT, Virgin Media, EE, and Vodafone – are offering Social Tariffs, a lower-cost broadband service aimed at financially vulnerable households. These tariffs could save up to 5.3 million households struggling to pay for their broadband up to £200 a year on their annual broadband costs.
However, telecommunications regulator Ofcom has expressed concern about limited evidence of providers actively promoting these Social Tariffs. Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom's Network and Communications Group Director, emphasised the importance of these tariffs for those struggling with rising bills, stating that "every penny counts."
Ernest Doku, a broadband expert at uswitch.com, shares this concern, expressing worry about the lack of awareness of social tariffs among vulnerable people. To address this issue, Ofcom is urging providers to make information about Social Tariffs clear and prominent on their websites.
To access these discounts, it's recommended to speak to your service provider personally. If your current provider doesn't offer a social tariff, consider switching to one that does. BT, Virgin Media, Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Sky are among the broadband providers offering social tariffs.
Social Tariffs are special offer broadband packages for up to 8 million people receiving Universal Credit. These providers offer Social Tariffs between £10 - £23 per month. For instance, Virgin Media Essential social tariff costs £12.50, BT Home Essentials costs £15, Hyperoptic costs £15, Sky costs £20, and Vodafone costs £20.
Ofcom is stressing the need for providers to make it easy for customers to sign up and express their eligibility for Social Tariffs without making it confusing or difficult. The regulator is also urging other providers to offer Social Tariffs as well.
It's crucial to first check eligibility for these social tariffs before making a switch. More needs to be done to make people aware of available social tariffs, especially during times of rising living costs. If you're interested in saving money, it's advisable to stay informed about such offers and take advantage of them when possible.
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