Multi-Network ISP Air Broadband Launch Cheap UK Social Tariff

UK ISP Air Broadband, which offers ultrafast and gigabit speed internet access packages via various different Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) networks across the UK, has today become the latest provider to launch a low-cost social tariff for those on benefits – called ‘Air Support‘ – priced at just £20 a month.

The Government and Ofcom are currently trying to encourage more ISPs to proactively introduce or upgrade and promote low-cost social tariffs, which are typically aimed at those in the most disadvantaged groups who may be struggling to pay their bills (i.e. low income, unemployed etc.). A small but growing number of providers have now done this.

The latest to join this club is Air Broadband, which will offer their ‘Air Support’ package for just £20 per month with a download/upload speed of 100Mbps and a policy of no in-contract price rises. The contract length is 12 months to “provide customers with flexibility in these uncertain times“.

To qualify for the Air Support package, customers will be required to provide Air with a Proof of Benefits letter to confirm their eligibility (Universal Credit claimants). The move is notable because Air Broadband are somewhat of a unique ISP in the UK market, since they sell services over lots of different full fibre networks (e.g. CityFibre, FullFibre Ltd, MS3, OFNL, Prime Fibre, Lila [VXFIBER], Connect Fibre and Gigaclear).

Andrew Glover, CEO of Air Broadband, said:

“We feel that a reliable, fast, always-on broadband connection is something everyone should have access to – and connectivity is crucial for many vulnerable people to empower themselves and improve their situation.

We have worked with many broadband providers to help establish this service and recent calls by the UK government to do more to support homes in the UK have been heard. And so to help those who need it most during these difficult times, we launched the Air Support service.”

Sadly, the ISP doesn’t appear to have setup a special page for the new tariff on their website – at least not one we could find (weak advertising for such tariffs is a common complaint by MPs and Ofcom), instead the announcement merely advises those interested in taking the tariff to “call Air Broadband on 01223 606 828 or send an email to sales@airbroadband.co.uk“.

The package will be available in many towns across the UK including Hull, Gloucester, Solihull, Nottingham, Derby, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft to name a few of many.