What if the internet was free or heavily subsidised for all to use? As the cost-of-living crisis threatens some customers’ connectivity, could nationalised internet providers help those most in need, or be another drain on the public purse?
As the UK Government summoned bosses from the major telcos to Downing Street this week to discuss the cost-of-living crisis, affordability of connectivity is once again in the spotlight.
With telecoms bills continuing to rise, a recent survey by CommunityFibre found that 20% of British broadband customers say they cannot afford to be online, and 33% would prefer to cut back on fuel rather than connectivity to save money, as COVID-19 has increasingly recast internet service as a utility, not a luxury, particularly for low-income customers.
Cerillion plc (LON:CER) is a leading provider of billing, charging and customer management systems with more than 20 years’ experience delivering its solutions across a broad range of industries including the telecommunications, finance, utilities and transportation sectors.