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Databanks and Social Tariffs
Accessing reliable connectivity shouldn’t be a luxury. As vital services transition to online, such as GP appointment bookings, repeat prescription access, online documentation signatures and access to bank accounts and support, the need for data is higher than ever before.
Internet service providers, mobile providers and leading charity and voluntary organisations are always looking at ways to support all residents with access to data.
Accessing Free Data
The National Databank is often comparable to food banks, but for internet data. The Databank is accessible through The Good Things Foundation and supported by leading internet and mobile service providers. Community organisations can apply to access the databank on behalf of their communities who may benefit from it.
According to Good Things Foundation, Vodafone and Three pledged to support the National Databank in 2022, expanding their reach from 34 hubs to hundreds. In just one year this grew to over 1,000 Digital Inclusion Hubs providing free mobile data to people in their communities, and the demand for support is still increasing.
Virgin Media O2 are also supporting the national databank. Chester and Ellesmere Port are two of their current stores in Cheshire which provide access to free data via this scheme, in addition to the Warrington O2 store. Simply head into your local O2 store and enquire about the free data scheme.
Social Tariffs
Social broadband tariffs, also known as ‘basic’ broadband is a cheaper broadband service for people who claim universal credits, pension credit and other eligible benefit schemes.
Social tariffs are something your internet service provider can discuss with you and whilst not all providers offer it, there are many that do. It provides you with access to a stable broadband connection at a reduced cost. It’s cheaper than original packages, with prices starting as low as £10 per month and enables you to exit the contract typically at no extra charge regardless of your contractual length.
To find out more about social tariffs, contact your internet service provider.
Useful links and resources
- Good Things Foundation Databank – What Is The National Databank | Free Mobile Data For Digital Inclusion | Good Things Foundation
- UK Gov – Low Cost Tariffs – Low cost broadband and mobile phone tariffs – GOV.UK
- Money Saving Expert – Social Tariff – Discounted ‘social tariffs’ for those on certain benefits
Broadband Vouchers
Where businesses and residents can’t currently access a gigabit broadband solution the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme can be used to subsidise the cost of installing a gigabit solution.
Check Broadband Availability
If your home or business is looking to find out whether it can access ultrafast broadband or whether you are included in any planned delivery, you can use the following online checkers of active providers across Cheshire.
Speak to Digital Cheshire
If you would like to arrange a call with our Digital Cheshire team to discuss your connectivity requirements or issues, you can visit the link below and complete an online contact form.