Broadband doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are some excellent options available for over 60s in the UK — including social tariffs, simple packages and discounted deals that don’t require a long-term commitment.
In this guide
What to look for as an older broadband user
Broadband needs vary significantly between households. For many over 60s the priorities are different from younger heavy-usage households — reliability, simplicity and good customer service often matter more than raw speed.
✓ Reliability — a consistent connection that simply works without frequent drops or outages
✓ Good customer service — UK-based support that’s easy to reach by phone when something goes wrong
✓ Simple pricing — clear bills with no hidden charges or complex bundle pricing
✓ Affordable monthly cost — particularly important for households on fixed incomes or pension credit
✓ Easy setup — a simple router that is straightforward to plug in and connect to
✓ No unnecessary extras — many over 60s don’t need TV packages or premium add-ons bundled into their deal
What are social tariffs?
Social tariffs are significantly discounted broadband packages offered by major providers to households on certain government benefits. They were introduced to ensure that people on lower incomes can still afford a decent internet connection — consequently they are typically priced at £15-25 per month compared to standard packages at £30-50 per month.
Social tariffs are one of the most underused benefits available to eligible households in the UK. Furthermore awareness of social tariffs is particularly low among older people — many of whom would qualify but have never been told they exist.
Key features of social tariffs: Typically offer speeds of 10-67Mbps — sufficient for browsing, video calls and streaming. Furthermore they are available on rolling monthly contracts so you are not locked in. Additionally some providers allow existing customers to switch to a social tariff mid-contract without paying exit fees.
Who qualifies for a social tariff?
Eligibility for social tariffs varies slightly between providers but is generally linked to receipt of means-tested government benefits. The most commonly accepted qualifying benefits are:
✅ Pension Credit — one of the most common qualifying benefits for over 60s
✅ Universal Credit
✅ Income Support
✅ Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
✅ Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
✅ Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (in some cases)
Pension Credit and broadband: If you or your partner receive Pension Credit you are likely eligible for a social tariff from most major providers. Pension Credit is specifically designed for people over state pension age on lower incomes — consequently many over 60s qualify without realising it. Check your eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit.
What broadband speed do over 60s need?
For most older households a superfast connection of 30-67Mbps is more than sufficient. This comfortably handles video calls with family, streaming TV in HD, browsing, email and video calls simultaneously without any issues.
📺 Streaming BBC iPlayer, Netflix or YouTube — needs 5-10Mbps
📹 Video calls with family — needs 2-5Mbps
📧 Email, browsing and online banking — needs 2-5Mbps
🏥 NHS online services and video GP appointments — needs 5-10Mbps
📱 All of the above at the same time — comfortable on 30Mbps+
Full fibre connections offering 100Mbps+ are available and increasingly affordable — however for single person or couple households without heavy streaming needs a superfast connection is typically all that is required. Consequently don’t be upsold to a more expensive package than you actually need.
Contract length — what to consider
Most standard broadband deals come on 18 or 24 month contracts. These typically offer the best monthly price — however they lock you in for the full term. Consequently if you move home or your circumstances change during the contract you may face early termination fees.
For older households who value flexibility there are alternatives:
📅 Rolling monthly contracts — cancel any time with 30 days notice. Slightly more expensive per month but maximum flexibility. Social tariffs are typically available on rolling monthly contracts.
📅 12 month contracts — a middle ground between flexibility and price. Less common but worth looking for.
📅 18-24 month contracts — lowest monthly price but longest commitment. Worth considering if your circumstances are settled and you are confident you won’t be moving.
Do I need to keep my landline?
Many over 60s still use their landline phone regularly — particularly for calls to family or GP surgeries. However the way landlines work is changing significantly as the UK transitions away from its copper telephone network.
If you switch to a full fibre broadband package your landline phone will move to a digital service called Voice over IP (VoIP) — which works through your broadband router rather than the copper phone line. Consequently your phone number stays the same but the technology behind it changes.
Important for medical alarm users: If you use a telecare alarm or personal emergency response system that connects via your phone line contact your provider before switching to full fibre. Furthermore ensure your new broadband package includes a compatible landline service so your alarm continues to work after the switch.
The copper switch-off — what it means for older households
The UK is in the process of switching off its copper telephone network and replacing it with full fibre infrastructure. This affects every household that currently uses a copper-based broadband or phone line connection — consequently the switch-off is particularly relevant for older households who may have been on the same package for many years.
If your area is scheduled for switch-off your current provider will contact you with details of how to migrate. Furthermore Ofcom has introduced additional protections for vulnerable customers during the transition — including requirements for providers to ensure continuity of any telecare services.
Tips for getting the best broadband deal as an over 60
💡 Check social tariff eligibility first — before comparing standard deals check whether you qualify for a social tariff. It could save you £200+ per year compared to a standard package.
💡 Don’t pay for speed you don’t need — a 35Mbps package is sufficient for most over 60s households. Consequently don’t be upsold to a gigabit package unless you genuinely need it.
💡 Ask about phone line continuity — if you use a landline phone or telecare alarm confirm how it will work with your new package before switching.
💡 Compare total monthly cost — make sure you are comparing like for like including any line rental or phone charges that may be bundled into the total price.
💡 Check customer service ratings — Ofcom publishes annual customer satisfaction data for all major broadband providers. Furthermore for older households who may need phone support more frequently this is worth checking before committing.
💡 Switch when your contract ends — when your current deal ends you move to a much more expensive out-of-contract rate automatically. Consequently set a reminder to compare deals one month before your contract ends.
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Compare broadband deals →Written by the FastSwitch team · Last updated July 2026
FastSwitch is a free UK broadband comparison service. We may earn a commission when you switch via our site — this never affects the deals or prices you see. Social tariff eligibility criteria vary by provider — always check directly with the provider before applying.