Like a foodbank but for mobile data, the National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet.
Internet access is essential in today’s society, and yet 2 million households have no home internet, and 2.4 million can't afford a mobile phone contract. This lack of access often affects vulnerable people facing other inequalities.
To ensure everyone benefits from internet connectivity, we built the National Databank. Launched in July 2021 with our strategic partner Virgin Media O2, the National Databank was founded to tackle data poverty and isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
By early 2022, Vodafone and Three pledged to support the National Databank, expanding our 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. As a result, the National Databank is expanding, ensuring more people can access the connectivity they need in today's digital world.
Getting people connected through the National Databank
There’s now over 2,500 Digital Inclusion Hubs offering the National Databank.
Over 125,000 data packages have been given to people.
95% of Databank recipients feel more digitally able and/or safe.
98% of Databank recipients feel happier, healthier and/or better off.
How does the National Databank work?
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Our partners Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three regularly donate mobile data SIM cards.
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Members of the National Digital Inclusion Network, which is a network of organisations helping people use or access the internet locally, can apply for data packages anytime.
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We distribute the SIM cards to these community hubs across the UK, who activate and gift the free mobile data to people experiencing data poverty or living on a low income in their community.
How to access free mobile data to gift to your community
Are you an organisation that wants to help people in your community access free mobile data? To apply for the National Databank, you need to be a member of the National Digital Inclusion Network. It's free to join and easy to apply for free data packages!
If you or a loved one need free data
Although we don’t currently provide mobile data directly to people, there are thousands of local organisations offering the National Databank across the UK.
You can visit these organisations for free and friendly help. Please note, to be eligible for free mobile data through the National Databank, you must be:
- 18+ years old AND from a low income household
- AND/OR have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
- AND/OR have no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home
- AND/OR cannot afford an existing monthly contract or top up
Please note that individuals must access the National Databank for themselves and are unable to collect on behalf of anyone else.