NEARLY 3.7TBs of data has been given out to 146 residents since January this year by Epping Council’s customer services team.

A spokesperson said: “We’re part of the National Databank, run by the Good Things Foundation, a UK digital inclusion charity. They provide free mobile data, texts, and calls to help people in data poverty stay connected. All the SIMs are donated by Virgin Media, O2, Vodafone and Three.

If you know someone who can’t afford to or would benefit from having free mobile data, we can help.

Residents can collect the SIM card from the Civic Offices in Epping. Once our Welcome Area staff have entered the resident’s full name and mobile number of the new SIM card into the National Databank website, it can then be used straight away. Unfortunately we cannot send SIM cards by post.

O2: 25GB one-off package. Once the data is used, a new package will be needed.
Vodafone: 40GB per month including free calls and texts. This package refreshes every month for 6 months, after that a new package will be needed.
Residents can keep their mobile phone number by following the instructions on the O2 or Vodafone websites.

To receive the free SIM card, a person must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household, and qualify in at least 1 of the following statements:

Has no or insufficient access to the internet at home
Has no or insufficient access to the internet when away from home
Cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up
No assessments of the persons background will be carried out by us or the Good Things Foundation, but this is guideline criteria.

Don’t have a device or know how to use it
Good news, our Power UP! Programme offers digital support walk-in surgeries and skills workshops as well as donated hardware such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or PCs. Donated hardware will be cleaned and restored before given to a person or household that does not have regular personal access to digital hardware.

Find out more on our digital inclusion page

Access to the internet is essential
Councillor Ray Balcombe, responsible for Contracts delivery said: “Initiatives like this unlock opportunities. Access to the internet is essential in today’s society. Whether it’s applying for jobs, accessing health and other services, or staying in touch with friends and loved ones, being digitally included can help people live happier, healthier lives.

“Thanks to our partnership with the National Databank and Good Things Foundation we can offer free mobile data, minutes and texts to our residents who need it.

“We also offer free devices and digital training. We need to remember there are people who do not feel confident doing things online. 1-2-1 digital support is provided by our partners at Voluntary Action Epping Forest at our Epping Community Hub.

“I encourage anyone who lacks confidence with technology or does not have access to the internet, to take advantage of these offers, and help reduce the digital divide.”