Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the rise in cost of living on the affordability of internet access for households.

In April 2023, Ofcom’s Affordability Report showed 6% of UK households were experiencing affordability issues with their fixed broadband services, and 8% with their mobile connectivity. For those on benefits these numbers rose to 11% in broadband and 17% in mobile.

To support low-income households, the Government has worked with telecoms providers to ensure market provision of low-cost broadband and mobile tariffs. Social tariffs are available from 27 providers (including BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and Vodafone), across 99% of the UK and start from £10 per month.

In June 2022, following Government negotiations, broadband and mobile operators agreed a set of public commitments to support their customers through the rise in the cost of living, including allowing those struggling with their bills to enter into affordable payment plans or switch to cheaper deals without penalty.