Sky Broadband Basics social tariff

Dan Howdle • November 24th, 2025

Sky offers a reduced-cost broadband package you won't see advertised in regular listings – a social tariff called Sky Broadband Basics, designed to help those who receive certain government benefits. Unlike some other social tariffs, Sky’s version isn’t a standalone product but an adapted version of its regular packages, and you can only get onto it if you're already a Sky customer on a regular contract.

And you'll also have to prove you're receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support or income-based ESA/JSA. It costs £20 per month on a 24-month term and includes Sky’s Full Fibre or Standard Fibre broadband (depending on what’s available at your address). But there are no early termination fees, meaning there's no risk of a sudden bill bomb no matter what happens.

Key features

Here's a quick summary of what you can expect from Sky Broadband Basics.

Who is Sky Broadband Basics for?

Sky Broadband Basics is Sky’s low-cost social tariff designed for folk are struggling with household costs and need an affordable way to stay online. Unlike just about every other social tariff out there though, it’s only available to existing Sky Broadband customers, and replaces your current package with a reduced-price version, either the same speed you're getting up to 150Mbps.

That means a biut speed reduction if you're switching down from 900Mbps, say. And to qualify, you (the Sky account holder) must be receiving at least one of the following government benefits:

• Universal Credit (UC)
• Pension Credit (PC)
• Income Support (IS)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (I-JSA)
• Income-based Employment Support Allowance (I-ESA)

How to apply for Sky Broadband Basics

To apply for Sky Broadband Basics, you’ll need to already be a Sky customer, and then get in touch with Sky directly to discuss your eligibility. Sky will check your eligibility with the Department for Work and Pensions, so you must already be receiving one of the qualifying benefits and be named on the benefit statement.

Remember: Sky Broadband Basics is only available if you already have Sky Broadband. If you qualify and you are moved onto it, Sky will simply switch your existing package to Broadband Basics, and you'll be paying £20 per month from thereon in. The speed you receive depends on the broadband technology available where you live, whether that’s Full Fibre or Standard Fibre, and on the package you were on before moving to Basics.

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What’s included with Sky Broadband Basics

Here’s what you can expect when you switch to Sky Broadband Basics:

• Your existing Sky broadband, just at a lower price – Sky simply reduces the cost of the package you already have, and you can't get it if you don't already have Sky Broadband
• Unlimited broadband – No data caps or usage limits as was once often the case with social tariffs, so you can browse, stream and so on to your heart's content
• No early termination fees – Although Broadband Basics comes with a 24-month contract, Sky won’t charge you exit fees if you need to leave before it ends, so it's 24 months in name only in reality
• Sky Pay As You Talk – Calls aren’t bundled in, so you’ll only pay for any calls you choose to make

Sky Broadband Hub specification

• Dual-band Wi-Fi – The Sky Broadband Hub broadcasts over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to help deliver stable Wi-Fi throughout your home
• Modern antenna design – Its internal antenna layout is engineered to improve signal range and reduce interference
• Gigabit Ethernet ports – The hub includes multiple Gigabit ports for wired devices that need the most reliable connection
• Sky’s Wi-Fi optimisation – The Hub works with Sky’s built-in network management features, automatically adjusting settings to help maintain steady speeds
• Compatible with all Sky Broadband Basics packages – Whether you’re on Full Fibre or Standard Fibre, you'll be getting this same router because in this situation it's likely the one you already have!

Extras

Sky Broadband Basics is straightforward (see 'bare bones'), and obviously keeps the cost down by sticking to the core broadband service only. You’ll continue to use the same Sky Broadband Hub supplied with your existing Sky package, and your broadband remains completely unlimited no matter which type of line you have coming into your home.

So there are no bundled add-ons such as premium security tools, cloud storage or inclusive call plans. Or anything else bundled in for that matter.

What we think

Sky Broadband Basics is there for existing Sky customers who've come upon hard times. For £20 per month, you can keep your Sky Broadband, but you can't switch to Sky Broadband Basics as a new customer, unlike many other social tariffs out there. This has been set-up as a safety net for current, loyal customers only. It’s a practical, decent-ish value social tariff all in all. But quite unusual in some ways.

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