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Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 18 April 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 April 2024 (named day). It was answered by Julia Lopez (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Mobile Phones: Social Tariffs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will hold discussions with Ofcom on changes in the number of mobile phone social tariff subscribers since July 2023.

Answer

Government continues to work closely with Ofcom on the affordability of telecoms services, including on social tariffs.

Ofcom’s December 2023 Pricing Trends report showed that 380,000 UK households now take up a social tariff, an almost 160% increase from September 2022.

The report also notes that the majority of social tariff take-up is in the fixed broadband market, with only 3% of social tariff take-up in mobile. Ofcom noted that the lower take up of mobile social tariffs is most likely due to the fact that these products are new to the market, as well as the widespread availability of commercial ‘sim-only’ deals which can be purchased for as little as £6 per month.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
22519
Session
2023-24
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Mobile phones Ofcom Social tariffs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk