New research has pointed to the UK suffering from a stubborn broadband digital device in spite of the expansion of full-fibre access.
Entry-level tariffs in regions with less competition have caused significant “digital deprivation” with consumers facing higher prices for basic levels of connectivity, according to Point Topic’s UK broadband affordability tracker.
Analysis of postcodes across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland found that the lowest broadband subscription prices in November 2024 ranged from £12.50 to £37.50 per month.
The most affordable option was Community Fibre’s Essential package, delivering 35Mpbs symmetrical speeds for a 12-month contract, available in 50,589 postcodes with the majority in London.
Meanwhile, Connexin’s FTTP package was the cheapest broadband available in two postcodes at £37.50, offering 250Mpbs symmetrical speeds on a 24-month contract.
However, compared with last year, the analysis found that cheaper broadband tariffs are more widely available across the UK, with the cheapest broadband subscription sitting in the £20 to £24.99 range 66.% of “small areas” in comparison to 31.6% from 12 months ago.
“As a society, we view areas such as healthcare and education as ‘essential’, yet with these services being increasingly digitised, there remains a lack of affordable connectivity options, especially for those in rural areas. Having access to broadband is all well and good, but there must be a base level of affordability, reliability and connectivity as part of that to ensure that all UK citizens are able to get online,” said Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance.
“The cost-of-living crisis isn’t getting any easier for people, and while for many it’s a case of cutting back on spending, it’s forcing millions to choose between broadband and food. A new entitlement, funded by VAT cuts on broadband and mobile bills, can deliver support to millions of households across the country by ensuring that all telecoms providers offer affordable, quality, social tariffs, helping to bridge the digital divide.”
Data from Broadband Genie recently revealed that Salcombe in Devon recorded the word connectivity in the UK, followed by the SA2 postcode in Swansea, Seaton in Devon, Holmrook in the Lake District, and Banf in Scotland.
Unsurprisingly, London and urban areas reported the fastest connectivity, while 6% of countryside homes struggle to get a connection over 10Mpbs.
Full fibre connectivity is available for 71% of homes in the UK, jumping to 72% in London and falling to just 46% in rural areas.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
