STRUGGLING households have got a welcome data boost from Virgin Media O2.
The company has increased the amount of free data that it gives away via a scheme called the National Databank.
The National Databank provides free sims and mobile data, as well as talk minutes and texts, to people who are struggling to get online.
It has been likened to a food bank but for internet connectivity data.
Virgin Media O2's extra data is being given out via SIM vouchers. You can get hold of them through the databank.
Previously it was handing out 15GB to people but that's now increased to to 20GB.
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The provider said that 20GB will get you 220 hours of internet browsing, 320,000 emails, 340 song downloads or 800 minutes of TV.
It plans too give enough vouchers to connect over 500,000 people by the end of 2025.
The decision to increase the data boost was because of the cost of living crisis, which is hitting households’ finances across the country.
How do I get the free data?
To get hold of the data you’ll first need to be eligible for the National Databank, as that is who Virgin Media O2 are giving the data to.
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You need to be at least 18 years old and must come from a low income household.
You also have to qualify in one or several of the following statements:
- Has no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
- And/or has no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home
- And/or cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up
Staff and volunteers at online centres in the Good Things Foundation’s network assess the needs of people they support.
They then use the bank to obtain data and then share it out.
The data is available from local community centers, libraries and other organisations in you area and you can find your nearest one giving them out here.
Other phone companies have donated to the scheme too, including Vodafone and Three.
As the data has been donated by different companies, you might get different types of vouchers, which could have different amounts of data.
Each centre has a set allowance of SIMs and data vouchers to give out but can apply for more if they feel there is a need in their community.
What free data can I get from other phone companies?
Not all phone companies are part of the National Databank scheme – it's just Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three so far.
You can access their cards in the same way – by going to one of the databank's online centres.
There are other schemes out there to help people who are struggling to get connected.
Vodafone runs a Buy One Give One scheme where it give someone living in digital poverty free connectivity for up to a year through the Trussell Trust.
You'll have to sign up to Vodafone Together to be eligble, which is a deal that gets whole families onto a broadband and mobile plan.
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There are also schemes available for those struggling to get online. For example, Universal Credit claimants can use social tariffs to get online for free.
You can read more about switching on to a social tariff on The Sun.
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