Sky has just announced the launch of a new budget broadband plan aimed at helping people who may be struggling with the price to get online. With the cost of living rapidly rising and things expected to get worse later this year, this news couldn’t have come at a better time for thousands of UK households.
The new plan, called Sky Broadband Basics, costs just £20 a month, which is about £5 cheaper than any of the internet provider’s other internet packages.
That price includes reasonably fast download speeds of 36 Mbps which are fast enough to check emails, browse the web and stream content on services like Netflix or Disney+.
In addition to that low price, Sky also promises that customers can leave at any time without penalties. The £20 per month deal will last for 18 months and will be available to existing Sky Broadband users who are currently claiming Universal or Pension Credit.
If you’re not already with Sky, don’t panic, as the company’s NOW (formerly NOW TV) service is offering the same deal to new customers who also claim Universal or Pension Credit.
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Telecoms regulator Ofcom has asked for more ISPs to help customers who may be struggling to get online and this update from Sky now means more choice for consumers.
Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s Network and Communications Group Director, said of the importance of these changes: “We have called on broadband companies to do more to support customers experiencing financial difficulties. That’s why we’re pleased that Sky has responded with a special discount for people on low incomes. We want all providers to offer these packages and promote them more widely.”
Sky now joins other ISPs that are already offering lower prices for customers on Universal Credit. Virgin Media has its Essential broadband package for £15 per month, which includes downloads at 15Mbps and BT currently offers a Home Essentials plan for £15, with eligible ones getting 60Mbps speeds.
In addition to the launch of its new budget broadband, there is more good news for Sky broadband users, with the company also unveiling its new high-speed service Gigafast.
This package offers customers the chance to beam internet into their homes at speeds of over 900 Mbps – with that high speed you could be downloading a Full HD movie in just 40 seconds.
Sky says its new Gigafast plan will be available to new and existing customers, although homes will need to be connected to the latest fiber technology if they want to upgrade. If you’re looking to supercharge your Sky broadband, prices start from £55 per month, which sounds pricey but is actually about £7 cheaper than Virgin’s premium Gig1 plan.
