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Broadband and mobile provider Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2) has this morning claimed, as part of a new online survey conducted by Strand Partners, that 48% of UK pensioners are still unaware of the social tariffs that can offer “significant cost savings” to those on state benefits, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit and others.
According to the survey, which we should caveat was conducted last month with 1,020 “nationally representative” members of the UK public (only 241 of those respondents were pensioners), some 33% of pensioners have felt more isolated or lonely in the past 12 months and the majority (81%) worry about the cost of living.
However, as above, almost half of pensioners say they’re unaware of providers offering discounted broadband and mobile deals to those receiving Pension Credit, with 34% of pensioners also being unsure of how to switch to a cheaper tariff.
Additional Survey Findings
➤ Staying connected with friends and family through calls, texts and video calls helps 68% of pensioners feel less lonely and more part of the world.
➤ 46% of pensioners say the rising cost of living has made them feel more isolated from their community and means they can’t afford to go out and socialise as much as they used to (48%). Many are visiting friends and family less due to travel costs (42%), and 28% worry about money so much that they feel anxious in social situations.
➤ 62% of pensioners believe digital technology helps them keep their independence.
➤ If faced with reduced mobile and internet connectivity for an extended period of time, pensioners cite concerns including being unable to contact someone in an emergency (72%), missing important family updates (58%), and not being able to access online GP appointments or other healthcare services (55%) and losing touch with friends (46%).
Mobile operator O2 points out that its £10 per month O2 Essential Plan is available for both new and existing customers who receive a range of benefit payments, and comes with 10GB of mobile data, plus unlimited calls and texts. The plan can be taken as a 30-day rolling contract, has no activation or exit fees, and no price changes while customers receive benefit payments. But cheaper commercial mobile plans do exist in the market.
Similarly, Virgin Media also offers several Essential Broadband tariffs, which typically enable those on state benefits to take an unlimited 15Mbps (2Mbps upload) connection on a 30-day rolling contract for just £12.50 per month, rising to £20 per month if you opt for their faster 54Mbps (5Mbps upload) tier. Plus, if you pay an extra £20 one-off, then you’re also able to add their new STREAM TV box (Flex).
Dana Haidan, VMO2’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said:
“With today’s research revealing pensioners feel increasingly isolated due to the rising cost of living, Virgin Media O2 is proud to offer a range of comprehensive measures to help people on low incomes to get online and stay in touch with loved ones.
Anyone who is receiving Pension Credit or a range of additional benefits are able to access our cut-price tariffs that offering broadband and mobile services starting from as little as £10.
We want to raise the profile of our broad range of support for people experiencing financial difficulties, helping to combat loneliness and keep the nation connected.”
Virgin Media has previously promised to help raise awareness of such tariffs, and today’s press release plays into that effort. Finally, a quick reminder. We know social tariffs can be a divisive topic for some, but that is not an excuse to abuse the comment system in order to post offensive remarks toward those who take state benefits. Such posts are against our rules and will be removed.