Digital divide affects up to 4 million pensioners

Nearly 4 million pensioners are routinely ripped off because they don't use the internet, according to new research from money saving experts. Official figures show that 4 in 5 of those who don't have access to the internet are aged over 65 - equal to 3.8 million of a total of 4.8 million in that age group. They face a raft of penalties designed to push customers to internet deals for essential services because these are cheaper for big companies to run. For example, phone companies make millions a year by charging up to £2.50 a time to send out paper statements.

Some telecom firms force homeowners to pay for broadband if they want a phone line - even if they don’t own a computer or tablet, and all 6 major energy firms impose fees of up to £94 for paying bills by cheque. British Gas has even prevented customers who don’t use the internet from getting its best energy tariff, while savers are deprived of £500 a year in interest because the best deals are online. Peter Rayner, NPC vice president said:"Older consumers without access to the internet are being punished, and this has got to stop."

From the NPC Campaign, May 2018.