Broadband providers across the UK are the latest service to up their prices, another inflated bill for consumers amid the rising cost of living. As using your phone and home internet gets more expensive it's thought millions of households are missing out on discounted tariffs.
This includes customers with Virgin Media as the provider has slashed its Essential Broadband package to just £12.50 a month, a more 'affordable' option compared to its £28.50 Basic package.
With a saving of £16 a month, customers also don't have the pressure of meeting a long-term contract, as the £12.50 price is on a 30-day rolling basis. Although the deal would allow households to save hundreds on costs, not everyone can access the cheaper rates, and here's why.
READ MORE: Sky, Virgin Media and BT broadband prices soar - what to do if you can't pay
Since the cost of living a host of providers, including broadband and phone networks, introduced social tariffs for those struggling to pay their bills.
Vodafone, BT, Sky and Virgin Media are just a few of the big UK names that offer social tariffs, which could save households up to £200 compared to normal rates.
Millions of households are thought to be missing out on lower prices as they're unaware of the discounted social tariff or how to apply. All Virgin Media customers are being urged to check this one thing as it could be the difference between paying less or not.
How to get Virgin Media's discounted rate
Virgin's reduced monthly tariffs are saved for new or existing customers in receipt of benefits, either; Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Income-based Employment Support Allowance.
This gives customers the chance to pay less for their broadband package, £16 a month compared to those that pay the full price. Arguably the biggest plus of the tariff isn't just the price but the flexibility too.
Those eligible for a social tariff can leave every 30 days, unlike full-paying customers who have to stay within their 12 to 36-month contract terms or they risk an 'early exit fee'.
The full details of Virgin's Essentials Broadband package can be seen, here. Once on the page, customers can apply to go through a credit check in order to see eligibility or not.
The £12.50 'Essential' pacakges isn't the only tariff on discount, it's 'Essentials Broadband Plus' for £20 a month and its 'Essentials Broadband Plus with Stream' for £20 are also discounted.
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