West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed steps by mobile phone and internet providers to help people who are confined to home during the coronavirus crisis.

The Government has asked the companies to relax data caps on fixed broadband services while more people are working from home and are forced to communicate with friends and family solely over digital platforms.

The companies are also prioritising elderly and vulnerable people who experience faults or service interruptions and are offering alternative solutions if repairs are not immediately possible.

The measures, led by Ofcom, are intended to help people ensure they are able to stay in touch with each other over fixed and mobile internet connections whilst they are encouraged to stay at home and self-isolate.

Harriett said: “I have received a number of requests for help from people who are concerned about their internet connections during this crisis and I am pleased the industry has taken a responsible attitude.

“With families in lockdown, there will be extra demand for internet services and for most people, this is the only way they can stay in touch with their friends and loved ones.

“I am also pleased that the companies are adopting a collaborative approach to helping their customers out – as well as prioritising the needs of the most elderly and vulnerable.

“Internet connections are now becoming vital lifelines for us all and I will be closely monitoring the work of the mobile phone companies and internet providers to ensure that they fulfill these promises.”