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The FreedomTruespeed Group (Freedom Fibre and Truespeed), which reflects an alternative full fibre (FTTP) broadband network that covers a footprint of 412,000 premises (RFS) and 70,000 customers, have reached an agreement with Stoke-on-Trent City Council (STCC) to provide social homes in the area with access to cheaper social tariffs.
Working alongside associated residential broadband ISP LilaConnect, this initiative will provide tenants with access to affordable broadband packages, including social tariff options for financially stressed households.
In terms of what options those people will have, Eligible STCC tenants will be able to access 150Mbps full fibre broadband for £17.49 per month and 1Gbps full fibre broadband for £27.49 per month, alongside other social tariff options for eligible households. Normal customers currently pay from £19.99 for their 150Mbps tier and from £29.99 for 1Gbps, which rises to £23.49 and £33.49 from month 13 respectively.
The programme forms part of wider efforts to support digital inclusion across the city and help more residents benefit from Stoke-on-Trent’s growing full fibre infrastructure. Naturally, the initial phase of the initiative will focus on properties that are already “Ready for Service” via the alternative network, which is very much the normal thing to do (you can’t usually order anything that’s not RFS).
A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said:
“Access to fast, reliable and affordable broadband is essential to modern life. It supports employment opportunities, skills development and access to online services. This will help more of our tenants get online with high-quality connectivity at a discounted price. It’s an important step in reducing digital exclusion and making sure residents across the city are able to participate in an increasingly digital society.”
Nathan Vautier, CEO, Freedom Fibre Group, said:
“We’re proud to continue working alongside Stoke-on-Trent City Council to help more residents benefit from the city’s full fibre infrastructure. Access to reliable and affordable connectivity is increasingly important for everyday life, and this initiative is focused on helping council tenants access full fibre broadband packages, including social tariff options through LilaConnect.”
Residents can find further information, check whether their property is eligible and sign-up via the dedicated Stoke-on-Trent City Council offer page. The council tenant discount will be applied automatically once an eligible address has been confirmed.
Sadly, the operator hasn’t yet decided to make a national Social Tariff available across their network, which is perhaps a little disappointing for the other areas they cover.