In response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, there have been many cuts to broadband packages.
Virgin Media’s Essential Broadband package
This package is fixed at £12.50 a month, for all new and existing customers. There is also the option for Essential Broadband Plus, offering faster broadband at £20 a month.
This is for people receiving Universal Credit.
Both plans have no fixed-term, contract or activation fee.
Virgin Media are also working to implement automated checks for customers to help confirm their eligibility for social tariffs. Once in place, it will allow an expansion, allowance those receiving pension credit and other benefits, to apply for further discounted schemes.
Sky Broadband’s Basics package
This package is fixed at £20 for 18 months. After 18 months, the price will return to the standard rate. It is only available to existing customers.
The Sky account holder needs to be claiming Universal Credit or Pension Credit, and be named on the statement. They will need their National Insurance number to check for eligibility.
If the customer needs to leave before the contract ends, the customer will not be charged an early termination fee.
NOW Broadband Basics package
This package costs £20 a month, instead of the usual £25. Customers can also get Pay as you Use call plans at no extra costs.
The customer needs to be receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit, and will need to provide proof.
Contracts will be monthly rolling. If the customer want to cancel, this needs to be 31 days in advance. There is no early termination fee.
BT Broadband Home Essentials package
This package start from £15 per month, plus £9.99 P&P. A call-only plan available for £10 a month. This is available for new or existing customers. This is a 12 month contract, with no early exit fees, so customers are not tied in if circumstances change.
Customers must be claiming one of these benefits: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support. The customer will need their National Insurance number to check for eligibility.