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Belgian internet providers are set to launch a social internet subscription starting Friday to cater to customers who find regular subscriptions too costly. These customers will pay 19 euros for internet or 40 euros for a package that includes TV or mobile subscription.
Providers are not implementing this initiative voluntarily, as it is mandated by national politics. Agreements have been made with providers and are enshrined in a Royal Decree. The aim is to provide internet access and other services like TV to the 500,000 people facing the most financial difficulty, as lack of internet access can lead to social exclusion.
The social internet rate is expected to be available in 2024 for Belgians who currently qualify for the social energy rate. This includes roughly 500,000 households receiving benefits. The internet subscription will offer 150GB of data and a minimum speed of 30Mbit/s.
Customers can also opt for a combined internet and digital television package for a maximum of 40 euros. Previously, there was a discount available for low-income households. The introduction of the social internet subscription has been anticipated for some time, with the agreements being made public in 2022.
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