Free internet connectivity for eligible older people
Updated 26 September 2023
NB: we have allocated all the SIM cards provided by the National Databank.
Brief version of the deal
If you are surviving on a low income and you can’t afford your current internet connection, you are eligible for a free data plan and SIM card for your phone.
All you have to do is bring your unlocked phone to any Wednesday afternoon Digital Drop-in at Mildmay Community Centre.
The longer version is below …
Our databank for people aged 50 or better
Are you eligible for a free mobile data plan?
You should be living on a low income — and you need mobile data for internet connection — and you meet at least one of the following criteria …
- You have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home,
- or – you have no or insufficient access to the internet when away from
home, - or – you cannot afford your existing monthly contract or top up.
You will need a phone that you already know how to use, or that you are learning to use on a course for older beginners.
Your phone should be unlocked (or compatible with the databank SIM card).
The free mobile data plans
O2 data
- A plan with 20 GB mobile data, plus unlimited calls and text messages.
- The plan will refresh when you respond to a monthly text message.
- The plan will expire after six months, but can be renewed for a further six months if you need it.
Three data
- A plan with 24 GB mobile data.
- The 24 GB data is a total – it does not refresh monthly.
How does it work in practice?
If you are eligible …
- A staff member or authorised volunteer will put the SIM card in your phone.
- After you have signed for the SIM card, we will register it with the national databank and then activate it.
Our primary base will be the Wednesday afternoon drop-in at Mildmay Community Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I keep my existing phone number?
- Yes. If your new databank plan will be with O2, read the O2 guide Keep your mobile number. Uswitch have a general guide Switching mobile phone provider.
- I have a long-term contract that I cannot afford. Am I eligible?
- Not while you still have the long-term contract. Please check the termination fee before you consider cancellation.
- However, O2 have indicated that they will consider individual cases where an O2 contract might be replaced by a databank O2 plan. We would contact O2 on your behalf.
- Does it make any difference where I live?
- No!