Fairer prices for broadband customers

14 Oct 2019 01:44 PM

Ofcom recently (11 October 2019) set out a range of measures to help ensure out-of-contract broadband customers pay fairer prices, and providers offer better protection to vulnerable customers. 

We have been concerned about some broadband customers who pay high prices when their introductory offer has ended, meaning they are ‘out of contract’. Many of these customers could save money by negotiating a new deal with their existing provider or switching to a new one.

As part of our programme of work to ensure fairness for customers, we have reviewed broadband pricing practices, to determine the best way to help these customers get better deals. In particular, we have examined the barriers people face when shopping around, and how vulnerable customers are affected.

We found that around 40% of broadband customers (8.8 million) are out of contract, and that significant savings are available to those who sign up to a new deal with their current provider.

We have also published a proposed guide on how firms can improve how they treat vulnerable customers. Our existing rules require all companies to support their vulnerable customers and treat them fairly. We’re calling on industry to do better in this area.

Company price commitments

We have challenged broadband companies to make their prices fairer for out-of-contract customers.

Although it is common in competitive markets for companies to offer discounted prices to attract new customers, some groups – including some vulnerable customers – could be left behind. We are also concerned about the out-of-contract prices paid by people who are stuck on copper broadband, without the option of switching to superfast broadband yet.

As a result of our review, the UK’s biggest broadband companies have made a range of commitments to protect customers and cut prices for those who are out of contract.

Most of these commitments will come into effect by March 2020.

While existing laws do not allow Ofcom to cap prices in general, these commitments from industry will help protect out-of-contract customers from high prices.

From February, broadband customers must also be told when their contract is coming to an end, and shown the best deals available. People who choose to stay with their provider without signing up to a new contract will be given details of their firm’s best deals every year.

Click here for the full press release