Help to get online

We are more reliant on phone and internet networks than ever and it is vital that people can access services which have become increasingly dependent on digital connectivity.

This page will signpost you to resources if you need help to get online.

Low cost broadband and mobile packages 

The National Databank 

The national databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet and are from low income households. The national databank is supported by Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three who regularly donate mobile data SIM cards. Member organisations can apply for data packages at any time, and SIM cards are also distributed to community hubs across the UK. 

To find which organisations are offering national databank services in Leicestershire, please visit the Good Things Foundation website or contact broadband@leics.gov.uk.  

Social Tariffs 

Social Tariffs are low-cost broadband and mobile phone packages for people claiming government support such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit,  Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Income Support. These cheaper deals cost between £10 and £20 a month. 

As well as being more affordable, social tariffs are usually on shorter-term contracts. Plus, there are no early exit fees – so people are not tied to the contract if their circumstances change, and you can leave without paying a penalty. 

For more information including which social tariffs are available and how to apply, follow the link to Ofcom’s website: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs

Your right to request a decent broadband service 

In 2020, the Universal Service Obligation (USO) for broadband was introduced as a UK-wide measure, intended as a safety-net to bring broadband to homes and businesses that don’t have access to a decent and affordable connection. 

If you can’t get a download speed of 10Mbps and an upload speed of 1Mbps, you can request an upgraded connection. 

You can make the request to BT. You do not need to be a BT customer to apply. 

To be eligible for the USO, you must: 

• Not have access to a ‘decent’ broadband connection (at least 10Mbps download speeds, and 1Mpbs upload speeds), whether through a fixed broadband line or through a wireless connection

• Not have access to an ‘affordable’ connection, costing less than £54 per month 

• Not be due for a connection through a publicly funded roll out scheme within 12 months (e.g., through project Gigabit), and 

• Your connection cannot cost more than £3,400 to deliver. The customer may choose to pay the excess above the amount. 

For more information and to request a connection, visit Universal Service Obligation (USO) for broadband | bt.com