Discounted broadband

With the cost of living crisis and hikes in broadband prices increasing household bills, there has never been a more crucial time to try to reduce monthly outgoings. To most families, a reliable, fast broadband connection is just as essential as almost every other household utility. Having broadband at home is necessary for staying in touch with family and friends, online shopping, job searching, accessing online learning and more.

If you're a low-income family receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, you could be eligible for a social broadband tariff and save up to £144 a year on your broadband bills.

Who is eligible for a broadband social tariff

If you receive one of the following benefits, you may be eligible for a social tariff:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit

What's on offer

Many broadband providers are offering low-cost broadband deals to eligible residents in Trafford. 

These include:

• Virgin Media O2 Essential Broadband - starting at £12.50 a month
• Virgin Media O2 Essential Broadband Plus - starting at £20 a month
• Vodafone Essentials Broadband - starting at £12 a month
• BT Home Essentials - starting at £15 a month, plus £9.99 P&P
• Sky Broadband Basics - starting at £20 a month

Ofcom and MoneySavingExpert offer a good summary of current, cheaper broadband and phone packages.  

Some offers may not be available to you at your address. For full details of each offer, visit the provider's website. 

Free internet for jobseekers

Jobseekers on Universal Credit can benefit from free internet connection thanks to Broadband for Jobseekers, a partnership between TalkTalk and DWP.

Eligible customers will receive access to an uncapped superfast broadband connection, provided free of cost for six months with no contract or credit checks involved. At the end of the six-month period, customers can roll onto a TalkTalk contract or cancel the service at no additional cost. 

If you are currently claiming Universal Credit via the jobcentre, speak to your Job Coach about accessing this product. 

Stay connected on the go

We have partnered with Good Things Foundation, to offer SIM cards to those who are experiencing data poverty. The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks Vodafone, O2 and Three, and offers vital connections for anyone cut off from the basic daily activities most people take for granted, such as accessing services online, preparing for a job interview, finding essential health information online or indeed keeping in touch with loved ones.

If you are a Trafford resident struggling to afford mobile connectivity, find out more about how to claim your free SIM card.