Getting digitally connected

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	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.