Virgin launches broadband for customers on Universal Credit
November 16, 2020
Virgin Media has launched its new Essential broadband service which its says offers “reliable, affordable and hassle-free connectivity” to those facing financial difficulty and receiving Universal Credit.
Virgin Media’s Essential broadband has a speed of 15Mbps and a fixed price of £15 per month. The plan has no fixed-term contract length and no price changes while Universal Credit payments are being received.
Existing customers can apply for the plan by completing an online. They will later receive an email asking them to provide proof of their Universal Credit status by sending a picture of their online Universal Credit account. Eligible customers will then receive confirmation that their application has been successful before they are moved onto the plan.
Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media, said: “The launch of our Essential broadband service is about supporting customers who are experiencing financial difficulty and uncertainty. We all know how important connectivity is right now to our day to day lives, so this reliable, hassle-free service will help people to get online and carry out essential activities. This is the latest step in a series of industry-leading measures we have introduced for vulnerable customers. This includes providing annual package reviews, more flexible bill management and is on top of action we have taken to keep our customers connected during the pandemic. We are committed to supporting our customers and will continue to play our vital role in keeping the country connected in these difficult times.”
The latest official figures show that there were 5.7 million people on Universal Credit as of October 8th 2020 – which is an increase of 2 per cent from September 2020. Virgin Media’s network passes 15.2 million premises which is more than half of the UK.