Citizens Advice reacts to Ofcom's announcement on affordable broadband

Matt Upton, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, said:

“Broadband is essential for the way we live today. People struggling to afford it shouldn't be penalised simply because their provider isn't one of the few firms offering a cheaper tariff.

“The pandemic exacerbated this problem, but in reality it had already been dragging on for far too long. 

“The fact that so many providers still aren't taking responsibility for protecting lower income customers shows just how precarious it can be to rely on voluntary arrangements and goodwill. Ofcom are right to say things aren’t happening quick enough. If we don't see action soon, the government needs to get involved.”

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.

  2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.

  3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

  4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.

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  6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 to talk in Welsh.

  8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.

  9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.