- Broadband is an essential cost for most households, and affordability has been a focus during cost-of-living pressures.
- Office for National Statistics data tracks household spending on communications.
- Social tariffs offer lower-cost broadband to those on qualifying benefits, but take-up has been low.
- Ofcom monitors broadband affordability and encourages action to keep it within reach.
- Help includes social tariffs, switching to better deals, and avoiding unnecessary add-ons.
Broadband is an essential cost, and affordability has been a focus during cost-of-living pressures. Social tariffs help those on benefits but are underused, and Ofcom monitors affordability and encourages take-up.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Broadband as an essential cost
For most households, broadband has become an essential cost, as necessary as energy or water for participating in modern life. This makes its affordability an important issue, particularly during periods of cost-of-living pressure when household budgets are stretched. When money is tight, the cost of broadband can become a burden, yet cutting it off would cut a household off from essential services, work, education and communication. This tension, between broadband being essential and being a cost that strains budgets, is at the heart of the affordability question, and it has drawn attention from the regulator and policymakers.
Understanding how broadband costs fit into household budgets, how they have changed, and what help is available enables households to manage this essential cost and access support where they need it.
Household spending on communications
The Office for National Statistics tracks household spending, including on communications such as broadband, phone and related services. This data shows how much households spend on connectivity and how that spending fits into overall budgets. Communications spending is a regular, recurring cost for most households, and for those on lower incomes it represents a more significant share of the budget. The ONS data provides the authoritative picture of household communications spending, which helps in understanding the scale of the affordability challenge and how it affects different households.
| Option | Who it helps | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Social tariff | Those on qualifying benefits | Substantially reduced price |
| Switching when out of contract | Out-of-contract customers | Avoids paying the standard rate |
| Negotiating at renewal | Customers nearing contract end | Potential lower price |
| Removing unused add-ons | Any household | Lower monthly bill |
How broadband costs have changed
Broadband pricing has evolved over time, shaped by competition, the shift to faster technologies, and contract structures including introductory discounts and in-contract price rises. During periods of higher inflation, price rises drew particular attention, prompting regulatory action on how in-contract price changes are presented. The overall picture is complex, with faster connections and competition on one side and rising costs and price increases on the other. For households, the practical effect is that the cost of broadband, and how it changes during a contract, is an important part of managing this essential expense.
Social tariffs and take-up
A central plank of broadband affordability is the social tariff, the lower-cost package for people on qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit. Social tariffs can substantially reduce the cost of broadband for eligible households, making them a key tool against affordability pressures. However, take-up has been low relative to the number of eligible households, meaning many who could benefit do not claim, often through lack of awareness. Ofcom has highlighted this gap and encourages providers to promote social tariffs. Raising take-up is one of the most direct ways to improve broadband affordability for those who qualify.
Ofcom's monitoring of affordability
Ofcom monitors broadband affordability as part of its role in the communications market. This includes tracking pricing, the availability and take-up of social tariffs, and the affordability of connectivity for households, particularly those on lower incomes. Ofcom has taken action on issues such as how in-contract price rises are presented, and it encourages providers to support affordability, including through social tariffs. While Ofcom does not set the prices of standard packages, its monitoring and encouragement form part of the effort to keep broadband within reach, and its reporting provides an authoritative view of the affordability picture.
What help is available
Several forms of help can ease broadband costs. Social tariffs are the most significant for those on qualifying benefits, offering a substantially reduced price. Beyond that, households can reduce costs by switching to a better deal, particularly when out of contract, negotiating at renewal, and removing add-ons they do not use. Checking the contract status, using end-of-contract notifications, and comparing options all help. For households facing genuine difficulty, contacting the provider to discuss options is worthwhile, as providers have obligations to treat customers fairly, including those in financial difficulty.
Avoiding paying more than necessary
A common affordability issue is households paying more than necessary, often by remaining out of contract on a standard rate after an introductory discount has ended. Ofcom requires providers to send end-of-contract notifications and to signpost their best available deals, which prompts customers to review their package at the point when they can switch or negotiate without penalty. Acting on these notifications, rather than letting a contract roll on at the standard rate, can yield significant savings. For many households, this is the simplest way to reduce broadband costs without changing their needs.
Support for those in difficulty
For households facing real financial difficulty, additional support may be available. Providers have obligations to treat customers fairly, which can include working with customers who are struggling to pay, and signposting to support. A social tariff may provide a longer-term solution for those on qualifying benefits. Where a household is genuinely unable to afford its connection, contacting the provider to discuss the situation, rather than simply falling into arrears, is the better course, as it opens the way to support and avoids the consequences of unpaid bills. Treating broadband affordability proactively gives the best chance of keeping connected.
Managing broadband affordability
In summary, broadband is an essential cost whose affordability has been a particular focus during cost-of-living pressures. ONS data tracks household communications spending, social tariffs offer significant help to those on qualifying benefits but are underused, and Ofcom monitors affordability and has acted on issues such as price rises. Households can reduce costs through social tariffs, switching, negotiating and removing add-ons, and those in difficulty should engage with their provider. Taking these steps helps keep this essential connection affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has broadband become more affordable?
The picture is mixed: competition and faster technologies have improved value in some respects, while rising costs and in-contract price rises, particularly during higher inflation, have pressured budgets. Ofcom monitors affordability and has acted on how price rises are presented. For individual households, affordability depends heavily on the deal, the contract status and any support claimed.
What proportion of household income goes on broadband?
The Office for National Statistics tracks household spending on communications, including broadband. The proportion varies by household, and for those on lower incomes it represents a more significant share of the budget. The ONS data provides the authoritative picture of communications spending, which helps in understanding the scale of the affordability challenge.
Are ISPs required to offer affordable packages?
Ofcom does not set the prices of standard packages, but it monitors affordability, encourages providers to offer and promote social tariffs for those on qualifying benefits, and has acted on issues such as how in-contract price rises are presented. Providers also have obligations to treat customers fairly, including those in financial difficulty.
What does Ofcom say about broadband affordability?
Ofcom monitors broadband affordability, tracking pricing, social tariff availability and take-up, and the affordability of connectivity, particularly for lower-income households. It has highlighted the low take-up of social tariffs relative to eligibility and encourages providers to promote them, and it has taken action on how in-contract price rises are presented to customers.
How many households are on social tariffs?
Take-up of social tariffs has been low relative to the number of eligible households, meaning many who could benefit do not claim, often through lack of awareness. Ofcom tracks take-up and encourages providers to promote social tariffs. The exact current figures are published in Ofcom's reporting, which has highlighted the gap between eligibility and take-up.
What should I do if I cannot afford my broadband?
Check eligibility for a social tariff if on a qualifying benefit, consider switching to a better deal or negotiating at renewal, and remove any add-ons not needed. For genuine financial difficulty, contact the provider to discuss options rather than falling into arrears, as providers have obligations to treat customers fairly, including those struggling to pay.
