Month: May 2023

Millions Forced to Cancel Broadband Contracts Due to High Costs

Citizens Advice Survey Highlights People having to cancel broadband contracts

A survey by Citizens Advice found that high living costs forced a million people to cancel their broadband contracts last year. The group says cheaper packages, called social tariffs, could help those struggling to afford their monthly broadband bill.

1 in 3 households struggles to pay for digital communications

According to Ofcom, one in three UK households struggle to pay for digital communication services. People receiving universal credit and other benefits are more likely to stop spending on broadband. They’re also more likely to fall behind on their broadband bills.

National ISP’s are not doing enough to help families

The government says it’s been working with the industry to create more affordable options starting at £10 per month. They’ve also made it easier for people on benefits to sign up for social tariff deals, and big companies like Sky and Virgin Media have promised to do more to promote these discounted packages.

Estimates suggest that as many as 4 million people in the UK could be eligible for the reduced broadband deals.

Citizens Advice thinks additional pressure is needed to encourage firms to inform customers of social tariffs. It said industry watchdogs like Ofcom need to “hold firms’ feet to the fire” until they improve their social tariff take-up rates.

Awareness of Social Tariffs is not good enough

“People are being priced out of internet access at a worrying rate,” said Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice. “Social tariffs should be the industry’s safety net, but firms’ current approach to providing and promoting them isn’t working.”

The internet has become a necessary utility in daily life, and lack of access is a significant driver of social, economic, and digital exclusion. People without a home broadband connection struggle with job applications, managing benefits, booking GP appointments, staying in touch with loved ones, and finding lower prices online.

Low Cost Broadband from 6G Internet

6G Internet is one of the most affordable independent broadband providers in the North West. Our superfast packages start from just £18.99 p/m and include free installation, unlimited data, and a no mid-contract price rise promise.

And we believe everyone has the right to get online, even if they can’t afford it. Our Internet for Everyone campaign works with local schools and organisations to offer free internet to families and households that need it.

FREE Broadband where we have network coverage

Chances are we are already talking to your local authority about providing FREE Broadband to families and individuals they need to refer to us. When we get a referral from one of our partners we provide a FREE broadband connection no questions asked.

Charities & Voluntary Organisations Apply to be a referral partner

Visit our Internet for Everyone page for more information. Or call us on 0800 246 6767.

NOW Broadband £3.50 increase on broadband packages

Avoid NOW Broadband price increases by switching to 6G Internet!

Customers with Sky UK’s NOW Broadband, a popular sub-brand known for freezing their prices, have just received some unwelcome news.

Price hike for NOW Broadband customers

NOW Broadband has announced an imminent price hike that will increase monthly prices by an extra £3.50 starting from July 5th, 2023.

Things are going to get tough for NOW Broadband Customers

“We understand things are tough right now,” stated NOW Broadband. “But the costs of providing broadband services have increased significantly, affecting the entire industry. Many other providers are raising their prices, and we’ll be making some changes. From 5 July 2023, the prices of our broadband membership plans will be going up by £3.50.”

Frustrated NOW Broadband customers look for a better deal

This unexpected rise has left many NOW customers feeling frustrated and looking for alternatives.

And 6G Internet, one of the North West’s leading broadband providers, is here to offer the high speed broadband solution they’re looking for.

With our commitment to providing fast internet speeds at an affordable price, exceptional customer service, and the promise of no mid-contract price rises, 6G Internet stands out as a reliable choice for your broadband needs.

NOW Broadband customers can switch to 6G Internet

Switching from NOW Broadband to 6G Internet is fast, easy, and 100% free. But you’ll have to act fast,

NOW Broadband is offering penalty-free cancellations for customers, providing they cancel within 31 days of receiving the price increase notification letter.

That means you can cancel your NOW Broadband contract free of charge and switch to 6G Internet.

Zero set-up fee charges

Sign up for a broadband contract with 6G Internet, and you’ll enjoy a seamless and hassle-free installation process with zero set-up charges or fees.

6 Reasons to Choose 6G Internet

There are more reasons to make the switch to 6G Internet. In fact, there are 6 great reasons to become a 6G Internet customer:

  1. Prime Promise: We NEVER raise prices mid-contract.
  2. Price Guarantee: Found a deal offering the same speeds at a lower price? We’ll match it and throw in 3 months of free broadband.
  3. Guaranteed Speeds: Always get the speed you pay for delivered to the router.
  4. Excellent customer service: 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating.
  5. Free installation: Free, personalised installation ensures you get the best home broadband service.
  6. Future-proof technology: The latest Wi-Fi 6 router is included in every deal; 40% faster and supports 60+ devices.

Benefits that all 6G Internet customers receive

As a 6G Internet customer, you’ll know that the price you signed up for is the price you’ll pay for the entire length of your contract agreement.

So if you’re a NOW Broadband customer who is unhappy about paying more for the same service, then now is the perfect time to consider a better option. 

Don’t put up with mid-contract increases on your broadband contract

Don’t let unpredictable price increases leave you feeling frustrated and trapped. Make a switch that works in your favour.

Choose 6G Internet as your broadband provider and experience fast downloads for a great price, real customer service, and, most importantly, that promise of no mid-contract price rises.

Connect with 6G Internet, a reliable and affordable broadband service that always puts its customers first.

Switching from NOW Broadband to 6G Internet

Switching from NOW Broadband to 6G could not be easier!

  1. Check the speeds available at your address
  2. Select the broadband package you would like
  3. Complete quick signup
  4. Set up your direct debit
  5. Sit back and wait for us to call to arrange your installation

Home expert reveals the worst places to put your broadband router

Bank Holiday weekends often put a strain on your broadband, as families stay home and friends visit to enjoy the extra day off. And that means your internet may feel slower than usual. 

But there are some tips you can follow to ensure it performs at its peak potential over the long weekends.

Great tips to get great wifi coverage at home 

The quality of your Wi-Fi signal depends on several factors, including router placement, obstacles, and the number of devices connected at any one time. 

Keeping routers away from kitchen appliances and not positioning them next to objects like fish tanks will help maintain a strong signal.

But you can do more to keep your connection running super smooth over the bank holidays. 

Home expert and Feng Shui master Cliff Tan recently shared his five best pieces of advice for speeding up your connection.

Let’s check them out.

5 ways to instantly speed up your wifi

Location, location, location!

Position your router centrally in your home, particularly in rooms where you rely on it for browsing, streaming, and gaming, advises Tan. Place it high up and facing forward to ensure signal coverage throughout the room. The Wi-Fi signal radiates outward in a circular pattern, so a central location will help maximise range.

Don’t hide your router, keep it visible!

“Energy is best felt when it can be seen, even for Wi-Fi signals,” says Tan. Place the router where it’s visible from the locations where you use it most, such as an office or living room. This provides a direct signal path for your devices. Walls, floors, and other solid objects can absorb or weaken the signal, so keeping clear lines of sight between the router and devices is crucial.

Avoid clutter around your broadband router

Clutter can obstruct the natural flow of energy in a room, according to Tan. Apply this Feng Shui principle to broadband connectivity by keeping items that might interfere with your signal, like baby monitors, speakers, and TVs, away from the router. These devices can create electromagnetic interference, reducing the signal quality and causing connectivity issues.

Be mindful of mirrors!

Large wall mirrors can interfere with connectivity due to their thin metallic coating, which can reflect Wi-Fi signals, confusing your devices. Tan suggests keeping your router at least a few metres away from any sizable mirrors.

Focus on five elements

Feng Shui focuses on the five elements—earth, wood, fire, metal, and water—to describe our surroundings. Pay close attention to metal devices or surfaces when moving your router, as they can often interfere with Wi-Fi signals. For example, a metal TV cabinet could affect your router’s signal.

Try these tips out and see how they work for you. It’s important to note that they won’t increase the actual speeds. However, they can help you maximise your internet connection by optimising Wi-Fi signal quality and strength. 

And that means everyone in the house can enjoy perfect internet, at the same time, all the time.

6G Internet is popping up in Blackburn!

Blackburn Bus Station

6G Internet is excited to announce our pop-up stall outside Blackburn Bus Station this week. 

The stall will be there until Friday, May 5, providing locals with the opportunity to learn about 6G Internet’s outstanding broadband service and to sign up for the high-speed broadband they deserve.

Exclusive Offers Available

Visitors to the pop-up stall can get their hands on some free 6G Internet merchandise and goodies, including balloons, sweets, trolley coins, and pens. 

And the knowledgeable and friendly 6G Internet team will be on hand to answer any questions about our cutting-edge broadband services that provide fast internet access for low prices.

6G Internet Broadband Deals in Blackburn
Meet us outside Blackburn Bus Station

Serving up a great deal!

After the Blackburn Bus Station event, we’ll be moving our pop-up stand over to Blackburn’s Halal Food Festival, where we’ll be serving up some great broadband deals.

This year’s festival is at the Jack Walker Stand at Ewood Park on Sunday, May 7. Gates open at 11.00 am. 

So pop down and see us. We’re really looking forward to meeting more Blackburn residents and offering them the chance to upgrade their internet experience.


6G Internet is a leading broadband provider, offering unparalleled speed and reliability. With a mission to revolutionise how people connect to the internet, 6G Internet delivers a seamless broadband experience that ensures users can access the online world without limits, and always at a very affordable price. To learn more about 6G Internet’s products and services, visit www.6ginternet.com.

Can you access Fibre speed broadband in Blackburn?

We need to check if you can connect to our fibre speed broadband network now or in the near future!

Follow the link to give us your details so we can check when we will be able to connect you!

Bridging the Digital Divide: How 6G Internet is Boosting Digital Inclusion in Blackburn

In today’s increasingly digital world, access to reliable and affordable internet is crucial for individuals and communities to thrive, both economically and socially.

But unfortunately, many people still struggle to get online.

Digital Exclusion in the North West

Digital exclusion is a nationwide problem. However, it’s especially prevalent across the North West. In fact, there’s a stark north/south divide when it comes to digital inclusiveness. A report by Manchester University found that 53% of people in the North West rarely or never use the internet, compared to 35% in the South East.

Levelling Up Communities in the North West

Bridging the UK’s digital divide is a key part of “levelling up” communities across the North West. So as an independent broadband company based and founded in the North, 6G Internet is stepping up to help.

In this blog post, we’ll highlight how 6G Internet is driving digital inclusion in Blackburn, by providing FREE broadband and positively impacting the local community through local partnerships and our referral partners.

But first, let’s take a close look at digital exclusion and its negative impacts.

What is digital exclusion?

Digital exclusion is the unequal access to and use of digital technologies due to factors like affordability, infrastructure, digital literacy, and personal circumstances.

Essential Online Services for all

People who are digitally excluded often may face difficulties accessing essential online services, participating in the digital economy, and taking advantage of remote work or education opportunities.

Who could be digitally excluded?

Digital exclusion can affect various demographics. However, it disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities, low-income households, older people, and those living in rural areas with limited connectivity. 

The negative impact of digital exclusion

The digital divide can worsen existing social, economic, and educational inequalities, as digitally excluded individuals are at a significant disadvantage in a society where digital skills and basic literacy are becoming more and more essential.

The negative impacts of digital exclusion include:

  • Limited access to essential services.
  • Less work and educational opportunities.
  • Social isolation.

What’s being done to promote digital inclusion?

Social tariffs are one way to help increase digital inclusion and close the UK’s digital divide.

Families could make massive savings by applying for a social tariff

Social tariffs are low-cost broadband deals offered to customers on government benefits. They help make internet access more affordable for low-income households. These deals typically cost between £10 and £20 per month and save families around £200 a year.

Eligibility for social tariffs

Social tariff eligibility is based on receiving government benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Income Support. 

Barriers to applying for social tariffs

But despite the potential benefits of social tariffs, many eligible households remain unaware of their existence. A recent report by Ofcom found that more than half of low-income households in the UK are in the dark about bargain broadband deals. In Blackburn alone, around 14,000 low-income households could be eligible for the discounted rates.

Ofcom encourages ISPs to promote social tariffs

Regulators are encouraging broadband firms to make their customers more aware of social tariffs. And while there has been a slight uptake in these deals, the same Ofcom report found that only 9% of those on a discounted rate found out about social tariffs through their provider.

And even if customers do learn about social tariffs, applying for them can feel like jumping through hoops. Providers offering social tariffs require customers to send in proof of their eligibility, which can be difficult for those without access to online services. Plus, many customers are put off applying for social tariffs due to the social stigma of talking about receiving financial assistance or sharing personal/sensitive information about their situation.

Ofcom publishes list of social tariffs from ISPs

Ofcom has published a list of social tariffs that ISPs provide. Many ISPs don’t publicise these low cost tariffs.

What is a social tariff?

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, Ofcom is encouraging companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.

Ofcom Website

Does 6G Internet offer social tariffs?

No, 6G Internet doesn’t provide any social tariff deals. 

But that’s only because we’ve decided to go one better!

At 6G Internet, we give broadband away for free, no questions asked, to the people who need it the most.

It’s part of our Internet for Everyone campaign, an ongoing initiative that donates a large part of our network coverage to schools, charities, organisations, and families in towns across the North West, including Blackburn.

Free Internet in Blackburn

We work with charities and several partners in Blackburn and the surrounding area to donate free broadband to families and people struggling financially.

Who Are Our Partners in Blackburn?

Our partners include many local schools, churches, mosques, community centres, and charities, including The Hancock Street Children’s Centre. The Hanock Centre recently referred several local families to us, and our engineers are booked in to set up their free broadband connections already.

How to apply for FREE broadband

We don’t ask any questions or require people to send in proof of their financial situation. Instead, all we need is a completed referral form from one of our approved partners.

We then make contact to book an installation date.

No fuss. No hassle. Just fast and free broadband for those struggling with their monthly bills.

“Access to the internet should not be a privilege but a right,” said Ian Clough – 6G Internet for Everyone Co-ordinator. “At 6G Internet, we believe in making that a reality by providing free broadband quickly, efficiently, and with as little hassle as possible.

What is the Free Broadband package available?

Our Internet for Everyone package is a basic 20Mbps. This is enough for checking e-mail, online banking and shopping and working from home.

Can I upgrade from Free Broadband in the future?

Yes, of course when you are able to upgrade just contact our customer service team 0800 246 6767

6G Internet offers more than a social tariff

We understand that social tariffs are a step in the right direction, but we are confident that our approach is more effective and empowering for those who need low-cost broadband the most.”

The Internet for Everyone Campaign in Blackburn

The free internet we supply across Blackburn is helping build better communities and empowering people to take more control over their own lives.

We’re working with charities, including Age UK Blackburn. It uses our free connections to provide digital skills training to older people. Thanks to these classes, seniors can now access essential online services, shop online, and stay in touch with friends and family.

“Lack of affordable broadband is one of the main factors that lead to digital exclusion amongst older people,” says an Age UK Blackburn with Darwen spokesperson. “Working with 6G Internet means we can help older people get connected free of charge.”

Internet for Homeless Pods in Blackburn

We’re also installing free internet connections in 10 homeless pods in Blackburn. The self-contained pods offer emergency accommodation for people without permanent residence.

“This is a great initiative to help people currently living in the pods,” said Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. “It will allow those living in the shelters to get online and access the relevant documents, learn new skills, and send emails to help them on their way to improving their lives.”

I am not in Blackburn is Internet for Everyone available?

The Internet for Everyone campaign is our commitment to helping the communities that we serve become more digitally connected, and we’re always looking for new referral partners and organisations to work with as we expand our network.

If we can help connect you or your organisation to free broadband, we want to hear from you right now. You can contact our Internet for Everyone team on 0800 246 6767. Or visit our dedicated page.