BT will launch BT Home Essentials in June, offering affordable fibre broadband and calls to low income families.
BT Home Essentials will be available exclusively to those on Universal Credit and a range of other means-tested benefits.
BT Home Essentials is an improved social tariff compared to BT’s initial version, BT Basic, launched in 2008.
Home Essentials provides an average of 36 Mbps download speeds and 700 minutes of calls for £15 a month, around half the price of a standard fibre and calls package. Eligible customers can also opt for average speeds of 67 Mbps and unlimited calls for £20 per month.
BT said the lowest price equivalent standard BT broadband package costs £32.99 a month, with an additional £15 for unlimited calls plan – this means BT Home Essentials customers choosing the £20 option can save over £330 a year.
Marc Allera, CEO, BT’s Consumer division, said: “BT Home Essentials will be available at half the price of our standard fibre package, helping a potential four million households on low income save on bills and stay connected to vital online services.”
Digital Infrastructure Minister, Matt Warman, said: “We have been working with internet providers to offer affordable broadband tariffs for those struggling with bills to help the UK build back fairer from the pandemic. I hope to see others taking similar action soon.”
BT said its Lockdown Learning has provided connectivity to over 175,000 families, to help children to continue learning from home. BT Home Essentials will provide an affordable option for families to receive fast broadband for the whole household.
BT Home Essentials is only for eligible customers which includes those on Universal Credit and people receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, and Employment and Support Allowance.
