According to a survey by Citizens Advice, up to one million people cancelled their broadband in the last year due to the high cost of living. The charity suggests that these individuals could have benefited from cheaper social tariffs or special low-cost packages. However, watchdog Ofcom warns that 4.3 million eligible people are missing out on these deals. The government claims to have encouraged social tariff take-up by collaborating with Ofcom and the industry to introduce affordable products to the market. Despite these efforts, the take-up of social tariffs remains low. Citizens Advice is concerned that the problem will worsen, particularly for those receiving universal credit. Internet access is now considered a vital utility, and those who cannot afford it face difficulties in managing benefits, applying for jobs online, and accessing cheaper online prices. The government states that job centre staff regularly provide information on social tariffs to claimants, but campaigners argue that more needs to be done to ensure digital inclusion for all households, especially those in severe poverty.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| One million cancel broadband as living costs rise | Decrease in broadband subscriptions | Increased availability of cheaper social tariffs | High cost of living |
| Low take-up of social tariffs for broadband | Lack of access to affordable internet | Improved promotion and availability of social tariffs | Lack of awareness or accessibility |
| Internet access as a vital utility | Recognition of internet as essential for daily life | Increased efforts to provide affordable internet access | Importance of digital connectivity |
| Digital Poverty Alliance’s concerns | Insufficient access to affordable internet | Increased efforts to ensure digital inclusion | Addressing digital inequality |