Residents can bank on getting connected with their phones thanks to council scheme

Through the council, residents and refugees who are in data poverty, can access the free data for up to 12 months to be able to carry out everything from online banking, to job searches, interviews and contact with essential health services

Rochdale Borough Council has joined in the bid to end data poverty by offering free mobile connections to residents on low incomes.

It works much like a food bank, giving data to people whose financial situation prevents them from having online access.

Individuals can take benefit if they are 18 or over, and from a low-income household. They must also not have access or have insufficient access to the internet at home or away from home, and they must not be in a position to afford their existing contract or top-up.

Through the council, residents and refugees who are in data poverty, can access the free data for up to 12 months to be able to carry out everything from online banking, to job searches, interviews and contact with essential health services.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “No one in today’s world should be forced out of being connected due to their circumstances.

“Everyone should have an equal right to be able to access the internet be it for reaching essential services or keeping in touch with loved ones.

“As this cost of living crisis deepens at least we have a drop of comfort knowing that those in data poverty can get online.”

An initial meeting is held with the council’s digital coordinator who establishes which of three different offers of data is suitable. A SIM card is then installed into the person’s phone.

Digital support is also offered: assistance is given with training and learning.

The idea of the scheme, organised by the Good Things Foundation, is to reduce isolation and to improve people’s lives to be able to do what many take for granted.