Lightning Fibre Trial 50Mbps UK Broadband Plan for People Aged 66+

Eastbourne-based alternative UK broadband ISP Lightning Fibre, which has built a new full fibre (FTTP) network across parts of Sussex and Kent in England, have today begun to “trial” a new 50Mbps (symmetric) package that costs just £15 per month for 24-months. But it’s only available to people born before 23rd September 1958.

The new package aligns to the current state pension age, which is 66 years old for both men and women. But unlike their similar Social Tariff (same speed and price, but only a 1-month term), this one is “not means tested” and is only available to order until 30th November 2024 by residential customers.

The trial appears to be part of a reaction to the new Government’s recent decision, which means that 2.5 million pensioners will no longer receive the winter fuel allowance, as now only those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive the payment. But up to 1 million pensioners do not receive pension credit, despite being eligible.

Rob Reaks, Lightning Fibre’s CCO, said:

“Our social tariff has been available for some time, for households in receipt of means tested benefits, but this new tariff gives older people the opportunity to access affordable full fibre broadband even if they do not receive government support through benefits or pension credits. Initially, this is a limited trial but we hope to bring it back and roll it out in 2025.”

Existing customers can also switch to the new package, but one catch is that you’ll need to do so via the phone (01323 380260), as the trial package isn’t available to order online.