COST OF LIVING

Telecom giants promise to help struggling customers

Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary, said those who needed support should contact their supplier
Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary, said those who needed support should contact their supplier
JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS

Britain’s biggest broadband and mobile companies have agreed to improve low-cost offers to help customers stay connected and move to cheaper tariffs.

The bosses of BT Group, Openreach, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, Three, TalkTalk and Sky made commitments to support vulnerable customers at a Downing Street meeting yesterday.

The measures include allowing switching to cheaper packages or agreeing manageable payment plans, improving existing deals and promoting them better. The companies will also help raise awareness of low-cost products to those on universal credit.

The companies faced criticism this year for introducing above-inflation increases for household phone and internet bills. While social tariffs, or discounted deals, are already available to customers who receive some benefits, anyone struggling to pay their mobile or broadband bill can now