Help to get online

Staying connected is more important than ever. Whether it’s accessing essential services, staying in touch with loved ones, or finding work opportunities, being online can make a big difference. If you’re struggling to get connected, this page offers guidance and resources to help you get online affordably and reliably.

Affordable Broadband and Mobile Options

The National Databank

The National Databank offers free mobile SIM cards with data to people from low-income households who don’t have internet access. Supported by Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three, the databank helps community organisations across the UK distribute SIM cards to those in need.

To find out which organisations in Leicestershire are offering National Databank services, visit the Good Things Foundation website or email broadband@leics.gov.uk.

Social Tariffs

Social tariffs are low-cost broadband and mobile deals available to people receiving government benefits such as:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support

These packages typically cost between £10 and £20 per month, come with shorter contracts, and no early exit fees, making them flexible and affordable.

To see which deals are available and how to apply, visit Ofcom’s guide to social tariffs.

Your Right to Request a Decent Broadband Connection

If your home or business can’t access a broadband service with at least 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload speeds, you may be eligible to request an upgraded connection under the Universal Service Obligation (USO).

You can apply through BT, even if you’re not currently a BT customer.

To qualify, you must:

• Not have access to a decent or affordable broadband connection (less than £54/month)
• Not be scheduled to receive a connection through a publicly funded rollout (e.g. Project Gigabit) within 12 months
• Ensure the cost to deliver the connection is under £3,400 (you can choose to pay any excess)

For full details and to make a request, visit BT’s Universal Service Obligation page.