Cullen International’s updated benchmark on affordability of universal service shows national measures in place to ensure that access to broadband and voice services at a fixed location is affordable for end users with low incomes or and/or disabilities. 

Ten of the 13 European countries studied introduced social tariffs for fixed broadband and/or voice telephony. The designated universal service provider(s) must offer these tariffs to end users with special social needs. 

Sweden is one of the few countries where telecoms providers are not obliged to make social tariffs available. However, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) may provide a subsidy, upon end user’s request, to cover the initial connection costs for fixed internet access.

Although mobile services are not included in the scope of universal service, telecoms providers in some countries offer social tariffs on a voluntary basis.

The European Commission shall review the scope of universal service in the EECC by 21 December 2025.

For more information and access to the benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our European Consumer Protection (in Telecoms) service.