A range of new measures have come into force to help the country to stay digitally connected during the coronavirus.
Ofcom, the regulatory authority for telecommunications, has announced new commitments to help broadband consumers during this difficult time.
These include:
- Working with customers who are finding it difficult to pay their bill to ensure they are treated fairly and supported appropriately.
- Removing all data allowance caps on all current fixed broadband services.
- Ensuring that vulnerable customers receive alternative methods of communication if priority repairs to fix landlines and broadband cannot be carried out.
- Offering new generous mobile and landline packages to ensure people are connected such as free calls or data boosts.
These commitments, effective immediately, will be delivered by the major internet service and mobile providers, namely BT/EE, Openreach, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk, O2, Vodafone, Three, Hyperoptic, Gigaclear, and KCOM.
Universal Service Obligation
From the 20th March, households also now have a legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection from BT under the new Universal Service Obligation (USO).
Lothian residents can check if they are eligible for an upgrade at www.bt.com/uso or by calling BT direct on 0800 783 0223.
Those eligible may be able to use a 4G Hub or will have work done up to £3,400 free of charge to install a fixed line connection.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “During the Coronavirus lockdown, being connected to the rest of the world is more important than ever, for working from home and staying connected with friends and family.
“These measures by Ofcom will ensure that people can remain connected during this pandemic. A number of household in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s will be finding it financially hard at the moment and companies have a responsibility to treat their customers fairly.”
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