Vodafone to give 1million Brits relying on foodbanks free mobile data and minutes for a year – how to claim a SIM
FAMILIES who rely on foodbanks can access free internet and phone services through a new Vodafone scheme.
In an attempt to get those in "digital poverty" connected, the network provider is giving phones and SIM cards to those who can't otherwise afford to get online.
Around 1million families are expected to benefit from the Buy One Give One scheme, which will be rolled out from this summer.
The SIM cards come with 20GB of data, unlimited texts and calls a month - plus training on how to use them.
The Trussell Trust, which provides emergency food to poor families, will use its 1,300 food bank centres to hand out the SIMs.
Food banks support low-income families who can't afford their groceries.
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Several internet companies provide special discounted rates for customers who are on Universal Credit or other benefits.
BT offers a basic for households that claim certain benefits.
You could be eligible to get the cheaper broadband deal if you get one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pensions Credit (Guaranteed Credit)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income related)
- Universal Credit (and are on zero earnings)
The monthly phone line rental costs £5.16, and includes free weekend calls for up to an hour to 0845 and 0870 numbers.
It also comes with a call allowance of £1.50 and a £10 monthly price cap.
You can add broadband to the BT Basic line for £10.07.
The price cap means that no matter how many calls you make, the most you'll pay each month is £15.16 or £20.07 with broadband, if you keep with the eligible calls included within the price cap.
If you make fewer calls it will be less and you can choose to have either monthly or quarterly bills.
Virgin Media also offers a
However, the £15 a month Virgin Essentials offer is only available to existing customers - but it could be a good option if you’re already signed up and are looking to reduce your costs.
It is a 30-day rolling contract so you can switch back to your usual service when and if you’re ready to.
The broadband deal doesn’t come with a phone line, and there’s no way of adding one, so this probably isn’t the right deal for you if you need a landline for emergencies.
Other cheaper options include Hyperoptic’s , which offers benefits claimants money off broadband packages, and customers in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire could get a .
It’s important to shop around when you’re looking for a new broadband deal as other internet packages could be more suited to your needs.
You should use a to find the best fit for your budget.
Users are typically referred to the services by health visitors, social services and school staff.
Alternatively, you can call the to access advice and a food bank referral.
The Trussell Trust is the UK's biggest food bank network - but there are many smaller,
However, you'll have to be referred to a Trussell Trust foodbank in order to benefit from the Vodafone scheme.
The food charity is yet to share details of how it will distribute the phones and SIMs, whether Brits can apply for them or what the specific criteria to receive the connectivity package will be.
However, SIMs will be offered to those living in “digital poverty” - which could include elderly people who are confused by technology or families with kids who cannot afford internet access.
According to the latest data from social exclusion charity Good Things Foundation, around 7million people in the UK do not have internet access at home and 9million can't surf the web without help.
Digital poverty has a knock on effect on wellbeing, as people without internet access are more likely to struggle to find work and less likely to secure competitive prices on bills.
The issue has gained widespread attention during the coronavirus pandemic as many people were forced to work or study from home, making an internet connection essential.
Barnardo's also runs a digital poverty campaign and provided more than a thousand laptops and mobile phones to disadvantaged children last year.
Vodafone is offering a SIM card and internet access to a cash-strapped family for one year for
It will also donate web access for each existing Together package - so if you're already a customer you don't need to take any further steps to help out a family in need.
Ahmed Essam, Vodafone boss, said: “Over the last year, people across the UK have realised just how important connectivity is, and the major role it plays in many aspects of our lives – work, play, education, healthcare and keeping in touch with those closest to us."
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