Regulator launches consultation on low-cost broadband plan to tackle affordability barriers

CURA proposes new ‘Essential Use Broadband’ tariff to support digital inclusion across the Island

The Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce a new low-cost broadband service for the Isle of Man.

The proposal follows an instruction from Tynwald in April 2024 for measures that would help people facing financial barriers to accessing the internet. The so-called 'Essential Use Broadband' product would provide a basic low-cost connection intended to enable access to essential online services such as healthcare, education, banking, and government platforms.

Under the consultation, all licenced operators offering fixed broadband using Manx Telecom’s wholesale network would be required to provide the product.

It would be priced at £16.82 per month, based on the wholesale cost of provision, ensuring that the service is cost-neutral to providers.

The proposed connection speed would be 10 megabits per second download and one megabit per second upload, which CURA believes is sufficient for basic online activity but not designed for high-bandwidth uses such as gaming or high-definition streaming.

In contrast to means-tested 'social tariffs' in other jurisdictions, the Essential Use Broadband product would be available to everyone, with no eligibility checks or income verification.

Consumers would be able to opt in or out at any time, free from minimum contract terms, switching fees, or exit penalties.

Existing customers could temporarily switch to the tariff with their current provider, effectively freezing their existing contract before resuming it at a later date.

CURA says the plan is intended to provide a "safety net" for those who struggle with affordability, while maintaining fairness for operators. It estimates that only a small proportion of the population would be likely to use the tariff, given that around six percent of Manx residents currently do not have internet access, and only a minority of those face financial barriers.

The regulator argues the proposal would help close the digital divide, improve access to education and health services, and align with the Island's National Broadband Plan and Digital Inclusion Strategy. It maintains that the measure would not unduly disrupt the market or impose significant costs on telecoms providers.

The consultation is open until 27 November 2025. Following the consultation, CURA will consider all submissions and publish its findings, setting out any amendments to the licensing framework.

Responses should be submitted to enquiries@cura.im, or by post to:

Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority, Ground Floor, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2SF.