Community Fibre announces free broadband for eligible Londoners struggling to get online

Thursday, 16^th May, UK: London broadband provider Community Fibre has come together with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide free access to 100% full fibre broadband to eligible Londoners struggling to get online.  

 

The new initiative, which launches today in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus, will see those eligible for the service receive 12 months of free full fibre broadband at speeds of 50 Mbps from Community Fibre.

 

According to the ISP, 1-in-10 Londoners (11%) say they have missed out on job opportunities, or experienced disruption during virtual job interviews, because of an unreliable internet connection. In addition, 15% of Londoners report that they cannot access basic services such as GP appointments, online banking, or government services because of poor broadband connectivity.

 

The partnership with DWP will play a vital role in helping eligible Londoners to get online and access new job opportunities and services, in a bid to bridge the digital divide. The offer is open to DWP customers who are disabled, carers or have been in receipt of benefits for more than three months. This offer is exclusively available across six Jobcentre Plus services within Woolwich, Peckham, Tower Hamlets, Harlesden, Barnsbury and Finsbury Park sites in London only

 

DWP Minister of State Mims Davies said: “I am thrilled by how working with Community Fibre, DWP are able to give so many Londoners free, high speed internet for the next year.

 

“Whether it’s interviewing for a job or accessing vital services, decent internet is necessary for all of us to get on with day to day lives. If you’re interested and think you might be eligible for this key support, speak to your local Jobcentre today.

 

“This comes on top of our unprecedented £108b support package, which has prevented 1.3 million people falling into absolute poverty reflecting our commitment to help the British people through challenging times”.

 

Graeme Oxby, Chief Executive Officer of Community Fibre continued: “Our research has shown that two-thirds (69%) of Londoners view broadband in the same way they view their gas, water, and electricity services. To apply for new jobs, contact a GP or access government services, a reliable internet connection is key, and we’re proud to be working alongside the DWP and Jobcentre Plus to bring fibre broadband to those who need it most.” 

 

For those who are not eligible for the scheme but may still be struggling to get online, Community Fibre also offers its own social broadband tariff at £12.50/month. These discounted broadband deals are usually available for people on Universal Credit and other benefits. However, Community Fibre does not ask for proof of government benefits – making it one of the most accessible and affordable social broadband tariffs on the market.

  

The London-based fibre provider has currently connected more than 600 community spaces with a free 1 Gbps full fibre connection. As well as providing access to more than 1.3 million homes across the capital, it also provides free digital skills training for residents and supports community-led initiatives through sponsorship. To find out more about how Community Fibre empowers local communities through digital inclusion, read more at Community Connect. 

  

To find out more about the award-winning fibre provider, hailed by consumers as the ‘Best Internet Network Provider’ on Trustpilot, commanding an ‘Excellent’ 4.6/5 rated service with more than 35,000 5-star reviews (May 2024), new customers can head to communityfibre.co.uk or speak with a member of the team on 0808 164 3657 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 8pm, weekends and bank holidays, 9am - 5pm) to get unbeatable broadband from only £21/month. 

 

 End 

Contact 

For more information, please contact [email protected] for all media enquiries. 

 

Notes to editors 

Online survey by Censuswide of 1,000 adults in the UK. The survey took place between 26th and 28th April 2023. 

 

How the scheme will work 

From 29^th April 2024, London-based Jobcentre Plus agents can signpost those within its service who may be eligible to receive free Community Fibre broadband for 12-months. Up to 1,000 12-month Community Fibre connections are available. 

 

Eligibility criteria is at the discretion of Community Fibre, however DWP will only confirm entitlement to: 

• Income based Jobseekers Allowance 
• Income based Employment Support Allowance 
• Pension Credit 
• Income Support 
• Universal Credit 

 

Once Community Fibre confirms a person’s eligibility, those nominated will then receive a letter from the provider to confirm or reserve its offer. Participants must call Community Fibre within four weeks of the date of the letter on 0808 196 6262. 

 

Once confirmed, participants will then need to provide details to Community Fibre to set them up as a customer and book an installation date. Community Fibre will also require the name, contact, and direct debit details of the participant to confirm the installation. The direct debit bank details provided will not be used, and no payment will be taken during the direction of the 12-month free period.

 

Where is the scheme taking place? 

The scheme is available to those currently in Jobcentre Plus services within Woolwich, Peckham, Tower Hamlets, Harlesden, Barnsbury and Finsbury Park sites in London only. 

 

Can participants cancel at any time during the free period? 

Yes. Those who wish to cancel their contract during the 12-month free period must provide Community Fibre with 30 days’ notice by calling its Cancellation team on 020 3892 6005. 

 

What happens at the end of the free period? 

Participants will receive an email notification from Community Fibre between 30 to 60 days before the 12-month free contract comes to an end.

 

The option to continue with Community Fibre on a paid contract will be given. Those who choose to discontinue their Community Fibre service must return the router provided at installation. Failure to return the router will incur a bill charge of £160 to cover the cost of the replacement router.

 

About Community Fibre 

 

Community Fibre is London’s best quality broadband, providing fast, affordable, sustainable connections for everyone. As of November 2023, it has passed 1.3 million homes across and around the capital, with more than 185,000 London-based businesses within 200 metres of Community Fibre’s network footprint. Using the UK’s best broadband technology, it is bringing Gigafast broadband at unbeatable speeds and prices to the capital, helping Londoners do more and be more. Community Fibre also operates the Box brand in Surrey and Sussex, which as of April 2024 was rebranded under the Community Fibre name. 

 

As the Best Internet Provider network on Trustpilot, commanding an ‘Excellent’ rated service with more than 35,000 5-star reviews (May 2024), Community Fibre offers speeds of up to 3 Gbps for consumers – up to 43x faster than the UK average download speed and 163x faster than the UK average upload speed, as well as broadband packages of up to 10 Gbps for businesses. 

 

In March 2024, Community Fibre achieved the top ranking by Which? in its 2024 customer satisfaction survey, as well as the UK’s #1 leading broadband provider by Broadband Savvy (August 2023). Community Fibre was awarded 2023’s Best Alternative Network by Uswitch. In November 2023, Community Fibre was recognised at the Internet Service Provider Association (ISPA) Awards as the UK’s Best Consumer ISP in its category for the fourth consecutive year and Best Business ISP for the second year in a row.