Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Broadband: Rural Areas

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions she has had with Ofcom on differences in pricing between new and existing broadband customers in areas served by a single provider.

Answer

The Government works closely with Ofcom to monitor consumer outcomes, and Ministers engage regularly with the regulator on a range of issues, including pricing and consumer protection.

The new Telecoms Consumer Charter, published February 2026, includes industry commitments which strengthen transparency, empowering consumers and support for those struggling to pay. Together, these measures improve transparency and empower consumers to make informed choices about the services they buy. The practice of broadband providers offering lower prices to new customers than to existing customers was one of the issues considered during discussions on the Telecoms Consumer Charter, on which Ofcom was consulted.

Providers may offer introductory discounts to attract new customers, which helps to drive competition and churn in the market, and as a result keeps overall prices down. Ofcom does not regulate retail pricing but instead ensures that consumers are able to navigate the market and that pricing is transparent. In 2020, Ofcom introduced measures such as end-of-contract notifications and annual best tariff information for customers who are out of contract.

As set out in the Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP) to Ofcom, designated on 27 April 2026, competition in the sector is key to support investment and the best outcomes for consumers with more choice, low prices, more innovation.

Ofcom reports that, as of January 2026, 77% of premises have access to more than one network and 61% have access to more than one gigabit-capable network. However, the government is aware that some areas of the country might be covered by only one network operator. As such, in the SSP, we ask the regulator to consider steps to ensure consumers served by one network operator only do not pay excessive prices due to a lack of local competition.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14222
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Broadband Fees and charges Ofcom Rural areas
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk