Sim cards are available from Trafford libraries to help residents keep in touch and stay online.
The free smart cards for mobile phones are to support residents who are struggling with the cost of their mobile data. They offer unlimited free texts and calls and provide data packages of up to 40GB per month for six months.
The National Databank is providing the Sim cards to support families in need. The cards, pledged by Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three, will be especially useful for families with school children wanting to keep in touch with their friends over the holidays.
Cllr Tom Ross is the leader of Trafford Council and has responsibility for digital inclusion. He said:
“There’s been a lot of headlines about the cost of food and utilities but mobile phones costs can also be prohibitive.
“We’re all used to having mobiles – they’re an easy way to keep in touch with our friends, find out what’s happening in our communities or even book an appointment with the doctor.
“If people can’t afford them, it can lead to loneliness and social exclusion. If a smartphone is your only device to get online, disconnection can cause issues with banking or paying bills, applying for jobs, ordering prescriptions or keeping in touch with loved ones.
“These SIM cards are a brilliant way to help people who are struggling. Adults can get online and children can stay connected by messaging or playing games online with their schoolmates – I would urge anyone worried about affording mobile phone data to go and collect a free SIM card from their local library.”
Low-income residents aged 18 or over can claim a free SIM card from their nearest library that is part of the National Databank.
To keep families connected, residents who do not have access to a device at home may be eligible to borrow a device through the Laptop Loan Scheme from Trafford libraries.
For residents struggling with the cost of broadband, families in receipt of benefits could also be eligible for a social broadband tariff which can save them up to £144 a year on their broadband bills. More information is available on the Council website.
Posted on Friday 21st July 2023