Sky and Now launch cheaper broadband for households on benefits – here's what you need to know
Sky and its streaming service Now have launched discounted broadband for households on low incomes. However, the packages are only available to existing Sky and Now broadband customers and they aren't the cheapest social tariffs available – so do your research first.
The move from the telecoms giant comes after pressure from industry regulator Ofcom, which called on broadband providers to do more to support low-income households with their bills.
BT, G.Network, Hyperoptic, KCOM and Virgin Media already offer so-called 'social tariffs' to eligible customers on certain benefits. But Ofcom has revealed that of the 4.2 million households that qualify for special discounted broadband packages, only 55,000 (1.3%) had taken them up, meaning millions are missing out on average savings of £144 a year.
Of course, just because you qualify for a social tariff doesn't mean you can't get a cheaper deal elsewhere – so always use our Broadband Unbundled tool to compare offers (you can see details of social tariffs in the tool, and we're also working to include all of these tariffs in your comparison results). For further info on how to cut broadband costs, including what to do if you're struggling financially, see our Cheap broadband guide.
Here's how Sky and Now's basic broadband packages work
These are the need-to-knows about Sky Basics and Now Basics:
Sky's deal costs £20 a month for 18 months, for 36Mb broadband and 'Pay As You Talk' landline calls (which are chargeable). You'll get an email reminder before your contract ends, though you will be able to extend it beyond the 18 months, as long as you're still receiving universal credit or pension credit. To do so you'll need to ring the call centre, otherwise you'll be rolled on to a standard rate contract, which start at £25 a month. You can cancel penalty-free at any point before the 18-month contract ends.
Now's deal costs £20 a month on a monthly rolling contract, for 36Mb broadband and 'Pay As You Use' landline calls (which are chargeable). You can cancel penalty-free anytime – you'll just need to give 31 days' notice.
You need to claim universal credit or pension credit to get Sky or Now's deals. You can't get either deal if you aren't claiming universal credit or pension credit. Sky said customers who are struggling but aren't claiming those benefits should get in touch to discuss their options.
It's only available to existing Sky broadband or Now broadband customers. For both tariffs, you'll need to apply, however customer service staff will suggest the tariffs to those who are struggling and who say they're on universal credit or pension credit.
We've asked if there's any way to join if you're not already a customer, and what happens if you're mid-contract with Sky and want to join, and will update this story once we know more. Now's website, however, suggests if you're not an existing customer you might be able to join if you get in touch.
Both tariffs are price-fixed meaning you won't have to pay any annual price hikes or set-up fees. In addition, if you have TV through Sky, or a TV subscription with Now, these won't be affected if you move on to the social tariff.
How Sky and Now's deals compare with other social tariffs
We've included details of what other major broadband providers offer in the table below.
Provider | Monthly price | Speed | Must receive one of the following benefits | How to get it (i) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BT Home Essentials (ii) (iii) | £15 | 36Mb | - Employment and support allowance - 'Guarantee credit' element of pension credit- Income support - Jobseeker's allowance- Universal credit | Apply online with BT or in store – you'll need your national insurance number |
BT Home Essentials 2 (ii) (iii) | £20 | 67Mb | - Employment and support allowance - 'Guarantee credit' element of pension credit- Income support - Jobseeker's allowance- Universal credit | Apply online with BT or in store – you'll need your national insurance number |
Community Fibre (London only) | £10 | 10Mb | - Care leaver's support - Employment and support allowance - 'Guarantee credit' element of pension credit - Housing benefit- Income support - Jobseeker's allowance - Personal independence payment - Universal credit | Phone 0800 082 0770 or email covidhelp@communityfibre.co.uk. You'll need to provide evidence of benefits received |
G.Network Essential Fibre Broadband (London only) | £15 | 50Mb | - Attendance allowance - Employment and support allowance - 'Guarantee credit' element of pension credit- Income support - Jobseeker's allowance - Universal credit | Phone 0808 196 3661 or email essentialfibre@g.network. You'll need to provide evidence of benefits received |
£15 | 50Mb | - Care leaver's support - Employment and support allowance - 'Guarantee credit' element of pension credit - Housing benefit- Income support - Jobseeker's allowance - Personal independence payment - Universal credit | Phone 0330 127 7508 or email support@hyperoptic.com. You'll need to provide evidence of benefits received | |
KCOM Full Fibre Flex (East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire only) | £19.99 | 30Mb | - Employment and support allowance - 'Guarantee credit' element of pension credit- Income support - Jobseeker's allowance - Personal independence payment- Universal credit (and out of work) | Phone 01482 484191. You'll need to provide evidence of benefits received |
£20 (v) | 36Mb | - Pension credit - Universal credit | Call 0333 759 5056. You'll need to provide proof of benefits received. Only available if you already have broadband with Now | |
£20 for 18 months (vi) | 36Mb | - Pension credit - Universal credit | Call 0333 759 1926. You'll need to provide proof of benefits received. Only available if you already have broadband with Sky | |
TalkTalk | Free for six months (iv) | 38Mb | - Jobseekers on universal credit who don't have an internet connection | Jobcentre staff will determine eligibility |
£15 | 15Mb | - Universal credit | Existing users must apply via this Virgin Essential Broadband link, while new users need to apply via this Virgin link. You'll need to provide evidence of benefits received |
(i) For new and existing customers, bar Sky and Now tariffs, which are only available to existing broadband customers. (ii) BT also offers a landline-only package for people on benefits for £10 a month. (iii) You'll also need to pay a £9.99 upfront delivery fee. (iv) At the end of the six months you can choose to take out a new contract with TalkTalk or end the service penalty-free. (v) Rolling contract you can cancel anytime. (vi) At the end of the 18 months your contract will revert to a standard rate, but you can call and cancel penalty-free beforehand.
10 December 2024
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