Current impact and future potential of broadband social tariffs: a discussion paper from Citizens Advice
A broadband connection is essential to participate fully in our society, but millions of households are struggling to afford this essential service. And as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, there’s nothing left to cut for many low income households.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Ofcom have urged all broadband providers to introduce discounted social tariffs for low income customers. A majority of the industry has responded, and 10 fixed broadband providers now offer a social tariff to their customers.
In this discussion paper we consider how effective the introduction of broadband social tariffs has been in reducing broadband affordability issues so far, before setting out a number of options which could help to improve their efficacy in the future.