Broadband social tariffs are special internet deals designed for
people on low incomes or specific government benefits. These social tariff broadband packages aim to make internet
access more affordable for UK households that might otherwise struggle to pay for a reliable internet connection.
Key benefits of social tariffs include:
Lower monthly prices (often £10-£20 cheaper than normal packages)
No credit checks with most providers
Usually no exit fees or long contracts
Access to essential online services
According to Ofcom, as of 2023, about 4.2 million eligible households in the UK could benefit from these cheaper
broadband deals,
but
only 220,000 have signed up so far. This means many people are missing out on significant savings on their
broadband
bill.
Who Can Get Social Tariffs?
You might qualify if you’re receiving:
Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income Support
Personal Independence Payment
Employment and Support Allowance
Some providers also offer deals to people on low incomes, even without these specific government benefits. The
eligibility criteria can vary between providers, so it’s worth checking with several to see if you qualify.
Broadband Deals Reviewed by James Ford, TV and Broadband Expert
Check if you’re eligible Most providers have a quick online eligibility check. You’ll typically need
your National Insurance number for this step.
Fill in the application form You’ll need to provide:
Your full name
Date of birth
Address
Contact details
Benefit information
Submit your documents Upload or post copies of:
Benefit award letters
Proof of address
ID
Wait for approval The approval process usually takes 1-2 weeks. If you haven’t heard back after a week,
it’s a good idea to follow up with the provider.
Set up your broadband If approved, you’ll receive instructions to set up your new, cheaper internet service.
This may involve installing new equipment like a router.
Understanding Broadband Speeds and
Packages
Social tariffs often offer a range of internet speeds to suit
different needs:
Basic packages: Usually around 10-15 Mbps, suitable for browsing and email
Standard packages: Often 30-40 Mbps, good for streaming and video calls
Faster packages: Some providers offer speeds up to 67 Mbps or more
The average download speed for UK broadband is around 64 Mbps as of 2023, according to Ofcom.
While social tariffs might offer slightly lower speeds, they’re
usually sufficient for most online activities, including streaming HD films and making video calls.
The Role of Openreach in UK Broadband
Openreach is a crucial part of the UK broadband network. It’s the company that owns and maintains the physical
infrastructure (like fibre cables and telephone lines) that many internet service providers use to deliver
broadband
to homes and businesses.
Understanding Openreach’s role can help you make sense of why certain broadband deals
might
be available in your area:
Openreach doesn’t sell broadband directly to customers. Instead, it provides the network that many major broadband providers use.
The availability of faster speeds or fibre broadband in your area often depends on whether Openreach
has upgraded the local infrastructure.
Some providers, like Virgin Media, use their own network instead of Openreach’s,
which is why their availability might differ.
How to Find Cheaper Broadband
Deals by Comparing
Even if you don’t qualify for a social tariff, you can still find cheaper broadband by comparing
deals. Here’s how:
Use comparison websites: These show you a range of deals from different providers in one
place.
Check your usage: Understanding how much data you use and what speeds you need can help you
avoid paying for more than necessary.
Look for special offers: Many providers offer deals for new customers, which can include
lower
prices for the first few months or free setup.
Consider bundle deals: Sometimes, combining your broadband with TV or phone services can work out cheaper overall.
Don’t ignore smaller providers: While major broadband providers are well-known, smaller companies might
offer
competitive deals in your area.
Check for hidden costs: Look out for setup fees, installation charges, or price increases
after
the initial contract period.
Negotiate with your current provider: If you find a better deal elsewhere, your existing
provider might match it to keep your custom.
Understanding Contract Terms
and Avoiding Penalties
When signing up for a new broadband deal, it’s crucial to understand the contract terms to avoid unexpected
costs:
Contract length: Most standard broadband deals run for 12, 18, or 24 months.
Social tariffs often offer more flexibility with rolling monthly
contracts.
Early termination fees: If you need to end your contract early, you might face a penalty fee.
This is less common with social tariffs but always check the terms.
Price changes: Some contracts allow for price increases during the contract period. Check if
your deal is protected from mid-contract price rises.
End of contract: Providers should notify you when your contract is coming to an end. This is
a
good time to look for a better deal or negotiate a new package.
Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals
Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!
More providers are introducing social tariffs, increasing competition and potentially leading to better deals
for eligible customers.
There’s ongoing discussion about the possibility of free broadband for some low-income households. While
this isn’t widely available yet, it’s an area to watch.
Some local initiatives and charitable organisations are working to provide free or heavily subsidised
broadband
in certain areas.
Tips for Getting the Most from
Your Broadband Deal
Regularly review your usage: Your needs might change over time. If you’re consistently
using less data than your package allows, you might be able to switch to a cheaper deal.
Check your speed: Use online speed tests to ensure you’re getting the speeds you’re
paying for. If not, contact your provider.
Optimise your home setup: Simple changes like router placement can improve your connection
speed and reliability.
Extra Help and Support
Jobcentre Plus: Work coaches can often provide information about social tariffs and sometimes
offer special codes for deals.
Local libraries: Many offer free internet access and assistance with online applications.
Frequently
Asked Questions About Social Tariffs and Cheaper Broadband
Can I get fibre broadband on
a Social tariffs?
Yes, many providers now offer fibre broadband on their Social tariffs. This provides a faster, more reliable
internet connection, which is especially helpful for larger families or households that use the internet a lot.
What happens at the end of my
contract?
Many social tariffs operate on a rolling contract basis, meaning you can cancel at any time. If there is a fixed
contract period, you’ll usually be informed before it ends so you can decide whether to continue or look for a
better deal.
Can I keep my landline with a
social tariff?
Most social tariffs include a landline. Some, like BT Home Essentials, even offer cheap call packages for
landline
calls.
What if my application is rejected?
Ask the provider why and see if you can provide additional information. You might be eligible for a different
deal
or package.
How do social
tariff speeds compare to normal packages?
While Social tariffs might have slightly lower average download speeds
than some premium packages, they’re
designed to provide a reliable internet connection suitable for most everyday online activities.
Can existing customers
switch to a social tariff?
Yes, many providers allow existing customers to switch to a social tariff if they meet the eligibility criteria. Check with your current provider about the
process and any potential changes to your service.
Are there any truly free
broadband options?
While completely free broadband is rare, some initiatives provide free internet access in certain circumstances.
For example, some local libraries offer free Wi-Fi, and there are charitable programs that provide free internet
to
specific groups like students from low-income families.
We use cookies to provide the best possible user experience and maintain a secure environment. Some cookies are essential for the proper functioning and security of our website, enabling core features like processing your comparison queries and accessing your rewards. We also employ optional cookies for advanced analytics, tracking, advertising, testing, and performance optimisation.
By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of all cookies. If you click 'Reject All', we will only use the necessary cookies required for the site to function securely. For more control over your cookie preferences, click 'Let Me Choose' to customise which optional cookies you're comfortable with. To learn more about the specific types of cookies we use, please visit our comprehensive
Cookie Policy.
Manage your cookies preferences.
Please select and accept your cookie preferences:
These essential cookies ensure the proper functioning and security of the website and app. They enable core features and services without collecting personal information for tracking or advertising purposes.
These cookies provide insights into how customers interact with our website and app. The aggregated and anonymous data collected helps us understand the usage of our products and services, enabling us to identify areas for improvement and optimise your browsing experience.
These cookies help us present products, services and offers that are most relevant to you. We may use the data collected by these cookies to personalise the advertisements you see on our website and other platforms, ensuring a more tailored browsing experience.
These cookies allow our website and app to remember your preferences, such as your region, country, language, accessibility options, and other settings. By enabling these cookies, we can provide you with a more personalised and convenient browsing experience tailored to your specific needs.
These cookies are used when we advertise on social media platforms. They allow these platforms to recognise you as one of our users and display relevant ads to you on our behalf. When you use your social media account to log in to our services, these cookies may also be used by the platforms to collect information about your behaviour for personalised advertising purposes.
Broadband Deals Reviewed by James Ford, TV and Broadband Expert
