Which? response to House of Lords digital exclusion report

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:

"A good digital connection is essential to modern life so it's really concerning that 1.7 million UK households currently have no broadband or mobile internet access.

"Earlier this year, millions of mobile and broadband consumers were hit with unavoidable mid-contract price hikes of up to 17 per cent. It’s absolutely critical that Ofcom’s review of inflation linked mid-contract hikes results in changes that ensure customers are never trapped in this situation again.

"Our research has also found that broadband firms aren’t doing nearly enough to advertise their social tariff offerings on their websites or social media – meaning millions of households could be missing out on hundreds of pounds of savings during an unrelenting cost of living crisis. Firms need to step up their efforts to promote their social tariffs to eligible consumers and ensure people aren't missing out unnecessarily.

“To help reduce bill costs for those struggling to make ends, the government should also consider removing VAT on broadband and mobile social tariffs."

ENDS