Mobile and broadband firms meet with government to discuss cost-of-living commitments

Mobile and broadband operators have met with the government to discuss commitments to support customers with the cost of living.

Digital minister Julia Lopez met with leaders from the telecoms sector, including BT, Virgin Media, O2, Sky, Vodafone, TalkTalk, Three Mobile, Hyperoptic and Ofcom to discuss work to boost awareness of social tariffs.

A report by Ofcom in September revealed that on 31 per cent of eligible groups were aware that social tariffs were available.

Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez, said: "Helping families manage the cost of living is a priority for this winter and beyond. It is vital to find out what more we and the telecoms industry can do to support families worried about their bills.

"Everyone should have access to affordable mobile and broadband services. Today we agreed that more has to be done to raise awareness of social tariffs and stressed the impact price increases have on people and families up and down the country."

The meeting follows a roundtable in June, in which commitments were agreed between the government and operators including more manageable payments and switching free-of-charge to a cheaper deal.

The low-cost social tariffs are available here.

Marc Allera, CEO BT Consumer brands EE, BT and Plusnet, said: "Supporting our customers, especially those most in need, is hugely important to us. Our low cost social tariffs for broadband and mobile support those customers who are worried about their finances and need extra help.

“Digital connectivity is increasingly important to everyone, so I’m pleased to join discussions with Ministers and industry leaders on how Government and industry can work better together to develop programs that are both fair and sustainable.”