Latest research reveals East Sussex residents are saving £1million annually on their broadband fees with Lightning Fibre

Lightning Fibre's full fibre broadband customers are now collectively saving in excess of £1million a year, having switched suppliers.

‍

National research from Ofcom shows independent full-fibre network providers (fibre to the premises, 'FTTP') cost less than those services offered by established fixed broadband providers, who often rely on the old copper network (or fibre to the cabinet 'FTTC') . The report highlights that independent full-fibre internet service providers were offering 900 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s broadband services for between £24 and £50 per month compared to around £50-£60 per month for similar services from mainstream providers.

‍

The Ofcom pricing trends for communication services in the UK report, released in December 2023, unveiled comprehensive research delving into the pricing patterns of communication services over the past year, and viable pathways for consumers to economize. The analysis was undertaken against the backdrop of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and many mainstream providers implementing above-inflation price increases for some existing customers. (Lightning Fibre's fair pricing means that the price never changes during the minimum service period, typically 24 months.)

Locally, customers of Lightning Fibre access a cheaper and faster broadband service when compared to customers of more established broadband providers. With over 10,000 customers in the area, these customers pay on average, 24% less than those of bigger, established providers—resulting in a collective saving of over £1million every year.

Rob Reaks, chief commercial officer, Lightning Fibre said: “It’s astounding that more residents aren’t taking advantage of a faster, greener, and cheaper broadband option right on their doorstep. The full fibre infrastructure built over the past two or three years is already capable of servicing an additional 90,000 potential customers, so the savings are there for the taking. This new competition, and with one touch switching coming soon, customer service levels are improving for consumers, as it’s easier to switch providers. Costs are also coming down, and more social tariffs are emerging, even from the larger operators. This is all good news for consumers.”

Ofcom research also shows that three in ten UK households  - around 8.5million in total - were struggling to afford their communications services over the past year. Remarkably as many as 95% of low-income households that qualify for cheaper broadband social tariffs have yet to sign-up or switch to them.  Lightning Fibre offers a £15 per month social tariff for eligible householders, on a rolling 30 day contract, with no credit checks made against potential customers wishing to sign up.

Josh Babarinde, MP for Eastbourne, commented:  "Along with other challenges, cost plays a part in achieving digital inclusion for all. Locally the social tariff offered by providers like Lightning Fibre and others is critical to improving access to fast, affordable broadband. With so many challenges, government cannot address digital exclusion alone. The work being undertaken, often privately funded, to improve the digital infrastructure of the UK and across Eastbourne lays the foundation for access for all."

Photo: Josh Babarinde MP with Lightning Fibre CTO Paul Thornton

Fact Check: Based on primary research, our new customers and sales leads provided an average overall broadband cost pre-switching; compared with the average revenue per user for Lightning Fibre customers the annual saving of our customers is in excess of £1m per annum. The majority of Lightning Fibre customers switched from FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) to FTTP (fibre to the premises). Many areas served by Lightning Fibre have no other FTTP providers. Ofcom research shows 1Gb FTTP is around £50-60 per month for mainstream providers, whereas Lightning Fibre is £39 per month over 24 months, excluding any discounts.