Millions more families will be able to tap into cheaper broadband as a major provider has widened the list of benefits which qualify for the deal.
Virgin Media has expanded who can sign up for a its social tariffs to those receiving some legacy benefits or Pension Credit, as well as Universal Credit from the beginning of this month. Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming certain benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband, and they are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.
Amid rising living costs, telecoms watchdog Ofcom is encouraging companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes, and Virgin currently offers two broadband social tariffs – Essential Broadband, with speeds of 15Mb for £12.50 a month and Essential Broadband Plus, with speeds of 54Mb for £20 a month.
