Pensioners could save up to 43% on broadband with Virgin, Sky, Now and BT | Personal Finance | Finance

Pensioners stand to save a fortune on their broadband expenses with deals from the likes of Virgin, Sky, Now, and BT offering discounts of up to 43%.

With the potential loss of the Winter Fuel Payment hitting retirees this year, resulting in an expensive few months ahead, broadband providers have thrown a lifeline with tempting savings.

Broadband Expert Gemma Ryles from Independent Advisor Broadband Deals has called on pensioners and those in vulnerable households to snap up these incredible offers from various operators.

Yet, she cautions that while the deals might look appealing, they must reflect individual needs and fiscal limits. She suggests: “Broadband providers prefer to sell the quickest speed, low latency, and other extras like security features and TV packages, – but this all comes at an added price.

“Weigh up what you can afford and consider that more expensive packages may represent better value for money if the services will be of better use to you.”

BT

Specifically, BT is offering the ‘BT Home Essentials’ package tailored for recipients of certain benefits such as Pension Credit. Currently, two options are available, delivering 36Mbps for £20 per month or 67Mbps for £23 monthly.

These offerings are tied to one-year contracts and feature unlimited UK calls. Moreover, pensioners have the flexibility to change or terminate their plans at will with no penalties for early departure, as highlighted by the specialist.

NOW Broadband

Now is offering its Fab Fibre Package to customers receiving at least one benefit, including Pension Credit, for just £20. This results in a saving of £15.50, making it 43% cheaper than the usual price, with average download speeds of 36Mbps.

The package also includes Now Calls, meaning customers only pay for the calls they make.

Sky

Sky’s Superfast 35 deal is available for a smart £20 per month for 18 months, with the added bonus that customers can leave at any time without paying exit fees. Their Basics package is also on offer to those receiving Pension Credit or another eligible benefit. The plan comes with Sky Pay As You Talk at no extra cost.

Virgin Media

Finally, Virgin Media offers three different broadband deals on a 30-day rolling contract to individuals receiving certain benefits like Pension Credit. These packages include Essential Broadband for £12.50 per month with average speeds of 15Mbps.

There’s also Essential Broadband Plus for £20 with 54Mbps average speeds or Essential Broadband Plus with Stream also for £20 with 54Mbps but adds a steam box with a £20 set-up fee. For those not keen on switching providers, Gemma also shared some negotiation tactics to potentially lower their bill.

She advised: “It’s best to contact them directly and discuss potential loyalty discounts or bundle packages, leveraging other competitive deals as bargaining tools. However, make sure to check contract expiration dates to understand when you might be eligible for renewal offers or better terms. Be sure to seek out other, more affordable broadband deals that may come with more competitive senior discounts.”

“Additionally, opting for no-contract plans can provide financial flexibility, as providers can adjust plans according to changing financial situations. Such flexibility can manage expenses associated with a change in income or moving home, and avoids penalties for early termination. Keep in mind that no-contract plans come with expensive upfront costs, which may make them too expensive for some households.”