In its latest study released today, Ofcom, the UK’s telecom regulator, unveiled comprehensive research delving into the pricing patterns of communication services over the past year. This report not only sheds light on the evolving trends in everyday service costs but also outlines viable pathways for consumers to economize.
Inflation Sparks Price Surges
Amidst soaring inflation, numerous customers grappled with substantial price hikes as major telecom providers applied annual increases tethered to inflation rates. The resultant surge led to over 10 percent price escalations for many users. Ofcom’s findings exposed a staggering reality: nearly three out of ten UK households, equating to around 8.5 million individuals, encountered challenges affording their communication services.
Rise in Adoption of Social Tariffs
The report revealed a noteworthy shift in consumer behavior, with more individuals opting for social tariffs. These specialized, cost-effective broadband and phone packages cater to claimants of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and select benefits. Over the past year, uptake spiked from 220,000 to 380,000 households. However, a concerning statistic emerged: slightly over half of eligible households remained unaware of these tariffs, resulting in a meager uptake rate of 8.3 percent among eligible users.
Contract Awareness Key to Savings
For broadband users, remaining within the contract period translated to lower expenses compared to those outside the contract. This discrepancy stems from promotional prices commonly enjoyed by in-contract users versus the list prices faced by out-of-contract subscribers. Being cognizant of contract status and market offers unveiled substantial potential savings for consumers.
Insights on Broadband and Bundles
Households seeking broadband deals within bundled service packages witnessed savings ranging between 17 percent and 34 percent, particularly if a landline was required. Conversely, standalone broadband services proved up to 15 percent cheaper than their bundled counterparts for users eschewing landlines.
Full-Fibre Broadband
Smaller Providers, Better Deals Independent full-fibre network providers emerged as price leaders, offering high-speed broadband services at significantly lower rates compared to established providers. Prices for services offering 900 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s ranged from £25 to £50 per month, notably less than the £50-£60 charged by larger providers.
Mobile Services
Stability Amidst Data Surge Despite a substantial 23 percent increase in monthly data usage, the average price for mobile services remained constant compared to 2022 figures. Notably, UK mobile prices ranked second lowest among the surveyed countries, trailing only France and presenting a cheaper alternative to customers in Germany, Italy, Spain, and the US.
SIM-Only Tariffs Witness Price Surge
However, specific SIM-only services witnessed a significant 23 percent spike in monthly prices for data allowances ranging between 1 and 10 GB. This surge was driven not by individual tariff increments but by lower-cost providers discontinuing services, withdrawal of lower data plans, and the launch of pricier plans offering more extensive data allowances.
Affordability of Handset Purchase
Ofcom’s report emphasized that purchasing handsets separately and coupling them with SIM-only plans proved to be 23 percent cheaper on average than bundled contracts encompassing airtime and handsets.
Despite this, upfront handset costs pose affordability challenges for many consumers. Manufacturers and resellers occasionally offer phones at 0 percent APR, potentially presenting a more economical option compared to combined contracts.
The comprehensive report not only delineates the prevailing trends in communication service pricing but also empowers consumers with insights to navigate and optimize their spending in a landscape marked by dynamic pricing structures.
