The National Databank provides free mobile data, texts and minutes to those living in data poverty. It’s like a foodbank, but for mobile data.
The internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives, providing essential access to various services and entertainment and helping many of us perform everyday tasks, be it banking, shopping, educational purposes, or access to essential services such as healthcare. However, in the UK, many individuals are grappling with data poverty, a persistent issue exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The lack of data means that these people living in data poverty have less access to perform the tasks that many of them take for granted, but luckily, there is an initiative which helps those in need to have equal access to online services for free.
The O2 Data Poverty Scheme, formally part of the National Databank, is a collaborative initiative by mobile operator Virgin Media O2 and the Good Things Foundation (a digital inclusion charity) funding all operational costs to combat data poverty in the UK. This program provides free mobile data, texts, and calls to individuals and to a whole family living in digital poverty, ensuring they can stay connected to essential services and loved ones.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Free Mobile Data: Eligible individuals can receive a free monthly data allowance of up to 25GB of monthly data, for 12 months. This is sufficient for approximately 275 hours of internet browsing each month.
- Accessibility All 300+ O2 stores across the UK now serve as National Databank hubs. People in need can visit these stores to obtain a free SIM card and set up their data plan
Who is eligible for the Data Poverty Scheme?
Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Applicants must be from a low-income household and claiming government-backed financial support such as universal credit.
You must also qualify in at least one of the following statements:
Have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
Have no or insufficient internet access when away from the home
Low income means the user cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top-up
Why has the scheme been set up?
The scheme addresses the growing issue of data poverty, which affects approximately two million UK households. Data poverty limits access to critical resources such as job applications, medical appointments, online education, other essential websites and social connectivity. By providing free sufficient data, the National Databank empowers individuals to participate in a digital society, reducing isolation and improving the quality of everyday life.
According to new research and Ofcom’s Affordability Tracker, 1.9 million households are struggling to afford their mobile service and stay connected, and 6% of those with fixed broadband found it difficult to afford their service in the previous month. Here are the facts*:
6.8 million households struggled to afford communications services in July 2024
3.7 million households with children do not meet the Minimum Digital Living Standard (4 in 10 households with children in the UK)
29% of people know someone disconnected from the internet
16% of people in the UK experience economic abuse, which can include restricted access to devices – meaning barriers aren’t always straightforward
*The above statistics have been taken from Ofcom reports, the Minimum Digital Living Standard, research by Virgin Money and information provided by Refuge.
Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has connected over 200,000 people nationwide with enough data to keep in touch with the digital world. Virgin Media O2 has committed to helping a large number of people, by expecting to distribute 152,000 SIM cards by the end of 2025.
Where can someone get a free SIM card from?
You can request your free SIM card from any O2 store. O2 colleagues will help you set up your free SIM – you can keep an existing phone number if you want to. The O2 colleague will activate the SIM card for you . The scheme offers 1 SIM per person with 12 vouchers within a 12-month period. All eligible users will receive at least 25 GB of free data via the data voucher codes.
When a sim card has been issued, the user will receive a text within 48 hours, which will include instructions and a 16-digit voucher code to top up the SIM with a £15 voucher, which provides 25GB of data with rollover, 50 international minutes to 42 countries, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts.
Once a sim card is issued by a databank, the user will receive monthly texts on the activation anniversary date for up to 12 months. Each text message will provide a new unique 16-digit voucher code, which the user will need to use to top up their SIM when calling 4444.
Real-Life Impact
Stories from beneficiaries illustrate how transformative this initiative can be. For example, Kulthum, who previously felt isolated due to a lack of absolutely essential broadband service, could reconnect with her family and stay informed through free data provided by the program.
Putting an end to data poverty is welcome additional support for those with real financial issues, perhaps already making use of a food bank, or getting help from local organisations, and who may well not be able to afford the costs of a mobile phone bill, and having to make difficult choices. The O2 Data Poverty Scheme is a vital lifeline for many struggling with digital exclusion in the UK. By offering free mobile data through the National Databank, Virgin Media O2 is helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that more people have access to essential online services and opportunities.
If you aren't near an O2 store, are lots of local organisations across the UK that offer the National Databank. See Good Things Foundation’s National Digital Inclusion Network to find a National Databank near you.