Affordability of communications services

Ensuring people can access affordable fixed broadband and mobile internet services is a priority for Ofcom. We want people to be able to access high-quality services at prices they can afford.

Since December 2020, we have published reports that:

• summarise our research into the affordability of communications services; and
• provide updates on the availability, awareness, and take-up of broadband social tariffs.

The latest data on affordability of communications services, and awareness and take-up of broadband social tariffs is published in the Pricing Trends in Communication Services report.

Summary of findings – April 2023

• Affordability of communications services: April 2023 update (PDF, 813.1 KB)
• Affordability of communications services: consumer research technical annex (PDF, 364.8 KB)
• Fforddadwyedd gwasanaethau cyfathrebu: Diweddariad Ebrill 2023 (PDF, 784.1 KB)

Our work on social tariffs

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit and other benefits. These low-cost packages can help households to afford their communications services.

Since December 2020, we have seen more and more fixed and mobile broadband providers introduce social tariffs – meaning they are now available to a good number of households across the UK. But we’ve also seen that take-up (as a proportion of eligible households) remains low.

We continue to monitor the availability of social tariffs in the fixed broadband and mobile broadband markets. We also keep our website up to date with a list of available tariffs.

Our research into affordability

Through our Communications Affordability Tracker, published quarterly, we continue to assess consumers’ attitudes and behaviours regarding the affordability of communications services, and how they change.

Download data from the latest awareness of social tariffs research

Download data from the April 2023 report

Older reports