Increasing numbers of families are struggling to pay their internet fees, which are sometimes tied to inflation and have increased this year – along with everything else.
The regulator has stated that Internet service providers have a moral obligation to assist customers during the cost of living crisis.
Increasing numbers of households are struggling to pay their internet bills, which are sometimes tied to inflation and have increased this year. in addition to everything else.
Lindsey Fussell, director of Ofcom’s networks and communications group, told that they are aware that people throughout the nation are currently struggling to pay their payments.
“Mobile and broadband services must be affordable,” she remarked. Particularly for people who are currently experiencing extreme financial hardship, any bill can be a burden.
“This is why we’ve been urging businesses to offer what we call social rates. This refers to low-cost offers for those in very challenging financial situations.
“And we certainly believe that telecom providers have a moral obligation to make these kinds of deals available and publicize them so that customers can take advantage of the best possible deal.”
Internet service providers have been consulting with the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport on how to assist clients during the cost of living crisis, and have committed to assist those who cannot pay their payments.
However, many families are resorting to data banks, which provide vouchers or SIM cards for mobile internet data, allowing people to access the internet.
The Good Things Foundation supports this concept.
Helen Milner, the charity’s chief executive, told that the organization was failing to meet demand.
She stated, “With the rising expense of living, the price of internet, whether fixed or mobile, has become such a concern.
We can’t roll out [our data bank service] fast enough since the demand is so great.
She stated that while internet access has improved in recent years, the so-called “digital divide” between those who have access to the internet and those who do not is widening.
She stated, “Those who are left behind are falling more and further behind.” Frequently, those who are deprived of the benefits of Internet access are also financially disadvantaged.
Last year, Citizen Advice warned that almost two million people fell behind on their obligations.
