Millions of Brits could save £200 a year on their Wi-Fi just by making this one change

A new report by Ofcom shows that millions of people in the UK are overpaying for their Wi-Fibecause they are unaware of various savings and benefits available to them. The report indicates that many families could be saving up to £200 a year on their broadband if they switch their tariffs.

Customers on social benefits are eligible for social tariffs which provide cheaper broadband deals - generally between £10 and £20 a month. This includes benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support and anyone on these is being urged to check if they’re getting the best deal from their internet provider.

Internet providers

Social tariffs are available on BT, EE, SMARTY, Community Fibre, NOW, Sky, Virgin Media, KCOM, Hyperoptic, G Network and VOXI. If anyone is on benefits and uses any of these providers then there is a good chance they are eligible for the cheaper tariff.

Social tariffs are normally shorter term contracts and also have zero early exit fees so people can leave without paying any sort of fine.

The communications watchdog is trying to get all networks to offer the tariffs and is currently urging TalkTalk and O2 to consider introducing them for their customers. Ofcom has also stated that they feel broadband providers aren’t doing enough to make their customers aware of these special tariffs.

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How to apply for social tariffs

In order to apply for a social tariff, first check if your current provider offers one. You can apply for most tariffs online, or call your provider and ask to switch.

If your provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, you can simply switch to one that does and your provider might even let you leave your current contract without paying a penalty fee.

It is believed that around 4.3million households are currently paying more than they have to for Wi-Fi and only 220,000 people are currently signed up to the offer, according to Ofcom's report.

Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom's director of network and communication, encourages everyone to check if they can get a better deal, as per The Sun:

We're urging anyone who thinks they could be eligible for a discount deal to contact their provider today and potentially save hundreds of pounds.

Read more:

⋙ You may be eligible to get £195 free cash in latest household support fund, here's how

Sources used:

- The Sun ' Millions missing out on cheaper Wi-Fi – you could be saving around £200 a year'

- Ofcom 'Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages'