Broadband bills could be cut for millions of low-income households under new UK Government plans to encourage ‘social tariffs’. A new service, which will go live next week and be run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will allow internet service providers to verify, with customers’ permission, whether they are in receipt of a relevant benefit which makes them eligible for a bill reduction.
The UK Government has called on all broadband providers to offer and promote social tariffs - discounted broadband and mobile deals for people on Universal Credit and other benefits - with statistics showing only 1.2% of those eligible have taken advantage of such a package.
The scheme is already supported by Virgin Media O2 who, following discussions with the UK Government, has announced that they will use the system to verify eligible customers signing up to their Essential Broadband tariff. The company will also waive early termination fees for those moving from existing tariffs.
