National Databank

Like a foodbank but for mobile data, the National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards to help digitally excluded people get connected.

What is the National Databank?

In our digital society, equal access to the internet is not a reality. 2.5 million households struggle to afford the internet in the UK, and 1 in 14 households have no home internet access at all. This often affects vulnerable people who are already experiencing multiple inequalities.

Being able to access the internet is essential to be digitally included. You need internet access to participate in our everyday life – to connect with opportunity, services and loved ones.

We want everyone to benefit from internet connectivity through affordable and safe access. Which is why we built the National Databank.

The National Databank is like a food bank, but for mobile data – it provides free mobile SIM cards for people who need internet connectivity. People can get mobile data from their local National Databank.

How does the National Databank work?

Good Things Foundation created the National Databank with Virgin Media O2, supported by Vodafone and Three. It works like this:

  1. Our partners Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three regularly donate mobile data SIM cards to us at Good Things
  2. Members of the National Digital Inclusion Network, which is a network of organisations helping people in their communities powered by Good Things, can apply for data packages anytime
  3. Members of the National Digital Inclusion Network receive, activate and gift the free mobile data to people experiencing data poverty or living on a low income in their community 
  4. People experiencing data poverty or living on a low income can pick up a free mobile SIM card from their local National Databank. (There’s over 1,600 organisations currently providing the National Databank across the UK!)

How to get free mobile data for yourself or a loved one

If you’re here to find free mobile data for you, a friend or a family member, we’re sorry but Good Things Foundation do not provide the mobile data directly to people at this time.

But we know somewhere that you can get it! There are over 1,600 local organisations offering the National Databank across the UK. These organisations are part of our National Digital Inclusion Network. We send the SIM cards to these organisations, who then distribute them to people in their local communities.

You can visit these organisations for free and friendly help, and we strongly encourage you visit somewhere nearby that’s offering the National Databank. Please note, to be eligible for free mobile data through the National Databank, you or someone you’re helping must be:

  • 18+ years old AND from a low income household
  • AND/OR has no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
  • AND/OR has no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home
  • AND/OR cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up

Find local support here and visit a nearby National Databank.

The National Digital Inclusion Network Delivering free local support to use the internet

Find local support to get free data There's thousands of places to get help

Already a member of the Network? Apply for or activate your data packages here

Read more about the National Databank

  • Virgin Media O2 opens 250 more databanks and boosts free mobile data this Christmas

    30/11/2023 · News

    Virgin Media O2 opens 250 more databanks and boosts free mobile data this Christmas

    Good Things Foundation's Strategic Partner, Virgin Media O2, announces all O2 owned stores will become National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs giving out free connectivity to people most in need this festive season.

  • 30/11/2023 · News

    Virgin Media O2 opens 250 more databanks and boosts free mobile data this Christmas

    Good Things Foundation's Strategic Partner, Virgin Media O2, announces all O2 owned stores will become National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs giving out free connectivity to people most in need this festive season.

     

    24/10/2023 · Our stories

    How data and devices are breaking down barriers for marginalised women

    As the National Databank and National Device Bank expand, the incredible social impact is clear to see. Stories from the National Digital Inclusion Network and organisations like 4Mnet highlight the power of data and devices to empower people, create independence, and strengthen communities.

     

    12/01/2022 · News

    Vodafone pledges 24 million GB of data to National Databank

    The generous 24 million GB data pledge from Vodafone to the National Databank will connect 200,000 people across the UK.