Openreach to install broadband for free in UK households on universal credit

Millions who cannot afford to install broadband will now be given free access

Over two million low-income households across the UK are set to get free broadband. Telecommunications company Openreach, owned by BT, will scrap connection fees for those on universal credit that have no other earnings. According to estimates, a million people could save up to as much as £92 on would-be installation fees, a sizable amount for the nation's lowest-income households. https://twitter.com/Independent/status/1435291876483993603?s=20 According to a recent Ofcom report, millions struggle to access the internet every year in the UK and cannot afford to pay the fees that the likes of Sky, Virgin Media or TalkTalk charge for connecting households to broadband. There are approximately six million Brits on the government benefit scheme and a third of those don't have any other form of income. The 'connect the unconnected' offer will provide vital internet support to the lattermost first - it remains unclear whether the scheme will be expanded further. A spokesperson from The Good Things Foundation commented: "Access to data is a lifeline. Public services like universal credit are already online, and the pandemic has meant more of us are managing our health online through contacting GPs via video call, or making use of the NHS apps."

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