One in six struggling to afford broadband

New research from Citizens Advice has found that more than one in six people are struggling to afford their broadband during the third lockdown.

The findings come at a time when people are more reliant on broadband to work, teach their children and order essentials. According to the charity, an estimated 2.3 million people had fallen behind on their broadband bill towards the end of last year.

In December, regulator Ofcom found that if households were paying the average £37 a month for landline and broadband, this would take around four times the proportion of a low-income household’s budget, compared to an average household. It ‘strongly urged’ all providers to consider offering cheaper tariffs for those on a low income or who are struggling financially.  

Citizens Advice is calling on the government and Ofcom to fast-track these plans by making it compulsory for all providers to offer affordable tariffs to people on low-income benefits. Only three of the largest 13 firms currently offer these tariffs.

Alistair Cromwell, Acting Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “The pandemic has cemented the fact that broadband is an essential utility. It is not a luxury for those who can afford it. Without broadband we struggle to teach our children, order food and medicines, work or search for a job.

“While the government has provided free laptops and mobile data to help children study at home, these are ultimately just a sticking plaster. To tackle the digital divide, it must take urgent action to ensure everyone can afford their broadband, no matter which provider they are with.”