UK: 2.5m behind on their broadband bills
June 7, 2021
By Colin Mann
Findings from advisory charity Citizens Advice suggest that 2.5 million people in the UK are behind on their broadband bills, with 700,000 of these falling into the red during Covid.
The new research has also found some groups are particularly struggling. Young people and those with children under 18 are three times more likely to be behind on their broadband bills, than older groups or those without children. Households on Universal Credit are nine times as likely to be behind on their broadband bill compared to those not on the benefit.
This comes at a time when people are more reliant on broadband to work and help their children with schoolwork, with UK adults spending an average of 22 hours online each week.
The charity is warning that broadband is an essential utility, and that mobile data is not a substitute. This is particularly true when it comes to things like filling in job applications or where families are using multiple devices to work from home and do schoolwork.
Ultimately, falling behind on bills can lead to broadband being disconnected. But the charity’s frontline advisers also see people who simply cannot afford broadband in the first place, or are cutting back elsewhere to keep their connection.
In December 2020, the regulator Ofcom “strongly urged” all providers to consider offering cheaper broadband tariffs for those on a low income or who are struggling financially. Only two nationwide and two local providers currently offer these tariffs – usually for people on Universal Credit.
Ofcom is expected to release a report later in June 2021 into whether further action is needed.
Citizens Advice is calling on Ofcom and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to urgently ensure all providers offer low-cost broadband to people on low incomes.
“Broadband is not a luxury, it’s an essential, like gas and electricity,” asserts Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice.
“Lack of broadband creates yet another hurdle in the hunt for jobs, helping children with their schoolwork, and being able to access help, information and fill in forms online. Those with a broadband connection can have a huge head start on those who don’t.”
“Ofcom and the government must ensure everyone can afford their broadband, no matter which provider they are with. People shouldn’t be penalised simply because their provider isn’t one of the few firms that offers a cheaper tariff,” she stated.