Sky has launched a discounted broadband package for low-income customers, following pressure from Ofcom.
These special discounted deals – sometimes known as ‘social tariffs’ – are available from a range of providers to an estimated 4.2 million UK households in receipt of Universal Credit and other benefits.
However, Ofcom latest research shows only 55,000 homes have taken advantage of these discounted rates so far – meaning millions of benefits recipients are missing out on an average annual broadband saving of £144 each.
With cost of living concerns on the rise, Ofcom has recently called on more broadband companies to offer social broadband tariffs and to promote them widely to their customers.
Sky has now launched its Sky Broadband Basics package – joining BT, G.Network, Hyperoptic, KCOM and Virgin Media O2 in offering discounted deals for low-income customers.
We’ve been calling on broadband firms to do more to support customers suffering financial hardship. So we’re pleased Sky has responded with a special discount for people on low incomes.
We want to see all providers step up and offer these packages, and promote them more widely said Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s Network and Communications Group Director
Broadband Social Tariffs
Some providers offer social tariffs which are only available to customers who receive certain government benefits, as set out in the table below.
| Product | Price | Speed | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT Home Essentials | £15 a month | Around 36 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| BT Home Essentials 2 | £20 a month | Around 67 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| G.Network Essential Fibre Broadband | £15 a month | 50 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 50 | £15 a month | 50 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 150 | £25 a month | 150 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| KCOM Full Fibre Flex | £19.99 a month | 30 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| NOW Broadband Basics | £20 a month | 36 Mbit/s | Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
| Sky Broadband Basics | £20 a month | 36 Mbit/s | Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
| Virgin Media Essential Broadband | £15 a month | 15 Mbit/s | Universal Credit |
