Social broadband tariffs
Broadband is an essential part of everyday life. If you’re struggling to afford it, there’s help you can get. Read on to find out which providers offer broadband social tariffs, and how to apply.
What are social broadband tariffs?
Some providers offer special broadband deals called 'social tariffs.' These are discounted low-cost broadband plans for people on certain benefits.
As well as being much more affordable, they’re usually on shorter-term contracts. Plus, there aren’t any early exit fees – so you’re not tied to your contract if your circumstances change, and you can leave without paying a penalty.
According to Ofcom, only 5% of eligible households are signed up for discounted broadband - are you one of them?
Who is eligible for a social tariff?
Requirements per provider differ, but if you are on a low income and receive:
Income Support
Pension Credit
Income-related Job Seekers Allowance
Housing Benefit
Personal Independence Payment
Attendance Allowance
Universal Credit
Care Leavers support
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
then you'll likely be eligible.
Social broadband tariffs - December 2025
Quite a few providers offer broadband social tariffs. You can visit Ofcom's page on social tariffs to get a full, up-to-date list of the social tariffs that are available.
Here’s the lowdown on what you can get with each provider (prices correct at the time of writing):
Provider | Package | Landline? | Monthly cost | Contract length | Set-up fees | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BT | Essentials 36Mb | Yes | From £16 per month | 12 months | £9.99 delivery fee | |
NOW | Broadband Basics 36Mb | Yes | £20 per month | 1 month | No fees | |
SKY | Basics Full Fibre 75Mb | Yes | £20 per month | 24 months | No fees | |
Virgin Media | Essential broadband 15Mb | No | From £12.50 | 1 month | No fees | |
Vodafone | Essentials Broadband 67Mb | Yes | £20 per month | 12 months | No fees |
Regional social broadband tariffs - December 2025
These social broadband tariffs are available in certain parts of the UK:
Provider | Package | Monthly cost | Contract length | Set-up fees | Where is it available? | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4th Utility | Social Tariff 30Mb | £13.99 | 1 month | No fees | England | |
Community Fibre | Affordable broadband 35 Mb | £12.50 | 12 months | No fees | London | |
Connect Fibre | Essentials broadband 150Mb | £20 | 1 month | No fees | Cambridgeshire, Essex, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire | |
Country Connect | Social Tariff 25Mb | £15 | 12 months | No fees | Newport, Wales | |
Fibrus Broadband | Social Tariff 50Mb | £14.99 | 12 months | No fees | Northern Ireland and Cumbria | |
G. Network | Essential Fibre 50Mb | £15 | 12 months | No fees | London | |
Grayshott Gigabit | Connect 100Mb | £19.99 | 24 months | £29 activation fee | England | |
Hey Broadband | Everyday Fibre 100Mb | £16 | 12 months | No fees | South East England | |
Highland Broadband | PureFibre 100Mb | £19.99 | 24 months | No fees | Scotland | |
Hyperoptic | Fair Fibre 57Mb | £15 | 1 month | No fees | England, Scotland, and Wales | |
KCOM | Full Fibre Flex 30Mb | £14.99 | 1 month | No fees | Hull, England | |
Lightning Fibre | Social Tariff 50Mb | £15 | 1 month | No fees | East Sussex and Kent | |
Quickline Fibre | Connect Social | £16.50 | 1 month | No fees | Yorkshire and Lincolnshire | |
toob | essentials 50Mb | £20 | 1 month | No fees | Hampshire, Southampton, and Surrey’ | |
Truespeed | Basic Broadband 30Mb | £20 | 12 months | No fees | South West, England | |
Wildanet | Helping Hand 50Mb | £20 | 1 month | No fees | Cornwall and Devon | |
WightFibre | Essential Broadband | £19.95 | 1 month | No fees | Isle of Wight | |
YouFibre | Social Tariff 50Mb | £16 | 18 months | No fees | UK |
The only regional provider on this list that includes a landline is KCOM.
Can I get free broadband?
While free broadband isn't widely available, some options exist, including:
Provider | Terms |
|---|---|
TalkTalk - Jobseeker Broadband | Six-month period of free broadband (35Mbps) for jobseekers on Universal Credit, in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus |
Community Fibre | Free 12-month full fibre broadband for some Jobcentre Plus customers in the London area |
Other options include accessing free Wi-Fi in GovWifi locations by creating an account and connecting your device.
Otherwise, providers don’t currently offer free broadband. Nevertheless, plenty of broadband companies offer sweeteners, like vouchers and reward cards, with their deals.
If you don’t qualify for a broadband social tariff, you could consider shopping around and taking advantage of the tempting incentives reserved for new customers, such as cashback.
Do I have to prove my eligibility?
Yes – but it’s usually easy and quick to do so. You’ll typically just need to enter your details on the provider’s website when applying for a broadband social tariff.
They’ll run a quick eligibility check. Once they’re confirmed your details, they’ll arrange with you to get your broadband set up.
What if I'm not eligible?
If you don’t qualify for a broadband social tariff, you can still shop around for a cheap broadband deal. Providers such as Plusnet, TalkTalk, and NOW Broadband all offer simpler, more affordable packages.
If you think you can get by without a fixed broadband connection, then mobile broadband could offer the flexibility you need.
Further reading: What broadband speed do I need?
Author
Rob Baillie
Head of Commercial
Rob Baillie is Head of Commercial across Communications Products working within Broadband, Mobile and Mobile recycling, looking after all of our external relationships with providers. Rob's team help...
