Record eight million cannot afford communication services, finds Ofcom

Ofcom is urging altnets to re-consider price rises and better promote social tariffs as nearly a third of customers, around eight million households.

This number has doubled over the last year, from 15% in April 2021, and now stands at its highest level since Ofcom began recording.

The uptake of broadband social tariffs has also doubled, rising from 55,000 to 136,000 in the last six months, but 97% of eligible households have yet to take advantage.

Ofcom urges providers to create and promote social tariffs as 70% of eligible customers are not even aware of their existence.

Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom's Networks and Communications Group Director: “The cost-of-living crisis is putting an unprecedented strain on household budgets. It is essential that the industry puts its customers first, and focuses on what more it can do to help support them.

“This includes a much stronger emphasis on offering and promoting social tariffs, as well as thinking carefully about whether significant price rises can be justified at a time when the finances of their customers are under such pressure.”