Last updated: 31 January 2023
Next review: 16 January 2024
Getting digitally connected

In early 2023 Waltham Forest will be launching an ambitious Digital Inclusion Strategy and 3-year programme to tackle the personal, structural, and financial barriers that prevent our residents from thriving in an increasingly digital world
During this cost of living crisis, we want to make sure that residents stay connected to the online world with advice on using data and accessing cheaper broadband tariffs.
Broadband and Mobile Data
Free public WiFi is available at our Libraries across Waltham Forest. Libraries are also running sessions providing support with basic computer and technology skills, which you can view on our events section.
You can find some tips about using any public WiFi network safely on the Good Things Foundation website
Whether you use broadband or mobile data, every online activity uses data. But not all activities use the same amount. You can make some cost-savings by understanding your usage and following some tips to make data last longer.
Read this Ofcom article about reducing your broadband and mobile costs and this one about your rights.
Low-cost broadband packages for benefit claimants
What is a social tariff?
A social tariff is a reduced cost broadband package, offered by broadband and telecoms companies.
Each company has its own list of eligible benefits for these reduced cost tariffs, but all include Universal Credit. Other benefits may include Pension Credit, Job Seekers’ Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, and Care Leavers’ Support.
On average, these tariffs are £7 - £27 cheaper per month than standard tariffs and offer free cancellation at any time.
Benefits:
-
Cheaper, as little as £12.50/month
-
Early cancellation
-
Reduced installation costs
-
Includes other bonuses, like minutes for calls from a landline.
How do I get one? There are various tarifs available. To access one of these you will need:
-
A permanent address
-
A card or bank account for a direct debit
-
To prove your eligibility
-
Some require credit check (BT Home Essentials)
New contracts with BT, Hyperoptic or TalkTalk
Provider and name |
Cost & contract |
Eligibility |
How to access |
Community Fibre |
£12.50 a month, 12 month contract |
Anyone |
|
BT - Home Essentials |
£15 or £20/month dependent on speed, 12 month contract |
Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) |
|
Hyperoptic - Fair Fibre |
£15/month, Monthly rolling |
Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit |
|
TalkTalk - Connecting Jobseekers G.Network |
£0, free for 6 months Broadband only |
Jobseeker's Allowance |
|
Vodafone Essentials Broadband and Line |
£12 a month, 12-month contract, no early termination fee |
Jobseeker's Allowance, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Employment Support Allowance, Disability Allowance |
|
Virgin Media - Essential Broadband |
£12.50 or £20 a month depending on internet speed, Monthly Rolling |
Universal Credit |
|
Discounts with existing providers: Sky and Now
Provider and name |
Cost & contract |
Eligibility |
How to access |
Sky - Sky Broadband Basics |
£20, 18 months |
Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
|
Now - Now Broadband Basics |
£20, Monthly rolling |
Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
|
Low cost mobile packages for benefit claimants
Provider and name |
Cost & contract |
Eligibility |
How to access |
EE |
£12, 5GB Data, Unlimited Calls and Texts, 30 day rolling contract for 12 months |
Universal credit, Pension credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s allowance, Income support |
|
Voxi |
£10, Unlimited Data, Calls and Texts, Can cancel anytime |
Jobseeker’s allowance, Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability allowance, Personal independence payment |
|
National Data Bank |
Free Data (some include calls and texts) for 6 months |
Low income households, In receipt of benefits, must be 18+ |
The National Data Bank is distributing SIM cards from Leytonstone Library. |
To get more information from Ofcom about social tariffs, please visit their website.