Help with Cheaper Broadband

FasterBroadband helps people on qualifying benefits check whether they could save money with a broadband social tariff.

Some broadband providers offer lower-cost social tariff packages to households receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits. These can help users avoid annual price rises, setup costs and early exit fees. Social tariffs use the same type of broadband connection and equipment as standard packages, but at a reduced monthly price. The website also helps users check what speed they actually need, so they do not overpay for a faster package than their household is likely to use.

FasterBroadband helps households check whether they could pay less for broadband, understand what is available at their address, and compare broadband deals before switching. The service is free to use and is designed for people who want clear, practical broadband information without needing technical knowledge.

Its not-for-profit social tariff comparison facility focuses on discounted broadband packages for people receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits. These tariffs can lower monthly costs and help avoid some of the problems linked with standard broadband contracts, including annual price rises and early termination charges. They are not a reduced-quality service. Social tariffs use the same type of connection and equipment as standard broadband packages, but are offered at a lower price for eligible households.

Price matters, but the package still needs to be suitable. Speeds on the social tariffs listed by FasterBroadband range from around 15Mb to 1Gb. Most sit between 30Mb and 150Mb, with a typical speed of around 50Mb.

To help people judge whether a lower broadband cost package is likely to work for their home, FasterBroadband provides tools that estimate the type of broadband speed a household may need. Users can also run a broadband speed test and compare their current connection with the speeds available on social tariffs before deciding whether switching makes sense.

The website also includes a postcode broadband availability checker, and a plain English broadband jargon guide explaining common terms. Built-in accessibility features are available for people who may find online services harder to use.

FasterBroadband is impartial, consumer focused, and designed to help people get online, compare their options, and avoid paying for broadband they do not need.