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Last updated: 31 January 2023

Next review: 16 January 2024

Getting digitally connected

Image
Two women looking at a digital screen

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

  • Will not ask for any eligibility criteria  

  • There is a £9.95 set up fee for 12-month contracts 

  • Apply 

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) 

  • No installation fees 

  • Cancel anytime, no exit fees 

  • Need to provide national insurance number 

  • May be postage and package fees for the router 

  • Free call minutes (limited) 

  • Apply 

Hyperoptic  - Fair Fibre 

£15/month, Monthly rolling 

Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit 

  • No installation fees 

  • Cancellation anytime, no exit fees 

  • Need to provide written proof of benefit/s. 

  • Signup by email, phone or webchat 

  • Must notify if benefit status changes 

  • Apply 

TalkTalk - Connecting Jobseekers 

G.Network 

£0, free for 6 months 

Broadband only 

Jobseeker's Allowance 

  • Ask your job coach for a referral code, call dedicated number 

  • No installation fees 

  • Cancel anytime 

  • No exit fees to leave TalkTalk after the 6-month period ends 

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 

  • No installation fees 

  • Cancel anytime 

  • No exit fees to leave even early  

  • Apply 

Virgin Media - Essential Broadband 

£12.50 or £20 a month depending on internet speed, Monthly Rolling 

Universal Credit 

  • No installation fees 

  • Cancel anytime 

  • Need to provide written proof of benefit 

  • Apply 

 

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 

  • Existing customers only 

  • Sign up by phone 

  • Need to provide NI number 

  • Cancel anytime, no exit fees 

  • Apply 

Now - Now Broadband Basics 

£20,  

Monthly rolling 

Universal Credit or Pension Credit 

  • Existing customers only 

  • Can cancel at any time, giving 31 days notice. No exit fees 

  • Apply 

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 

  • Will check eligibility and conduct a credit check 

  • Need to provide NI number 

  • Cancel anytime, no exit fees 

  • Apply 

Voxi

£10, Unlimited Data, Calls and Texts, Can cancel anytime 

Jobseeker’s allowance, Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability allowance, Personal independence payment 

  • Will check eligibility 

  • Cancel anytime, no exit fees 

  • Apply 

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.