The National Databank initiative offers free data to people struggling to pay for connectivity.
With inflation rising to record levels, many people are facing a hard choice: either pay for online access or use the money for essentials like food or heating. BBC Technology reporter Chris Vallance hears from users of one service designed to combat data poverty.
"I remember my son used to go to do his homework at the library. And he he was spending so much time there just because of the internet." A donation from Virgin Media O2 - timed to coincide with the databank's first anniversary - means people can now get 20GB of data per month.About 400 community organisations and groups that work with the Good Things Foundation, can request donations of mobile data - in the form of SIM cards or O2 vouchers - from the databank for the people they support.
Ofcom has previously estimated that 1.1 million households are "struggling to afford their home broadband service". And a recent survey of 4,000 adults on low incomes, by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, suggested that 7% are in arrears on their internet bills, owing an average of £171.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cost-of-living payments branded insufficient as energy bills soarA committee of MPs says cost-of-living payments should reflect higher than anticipated energy bills.
Read more »
Cost of living: Price rises bolster Marmite-maker's revenues despite stampede to value brandsThe company is growing the value of its sales by more than expected but admits consumers are likely to be more wary globally as the threat from inflation damages household budgets.
Read more »
Cost-of-living payments branded insufficient as energy bills soarA committee of MPs says cost-of-living payments should reflect higher than anticipated energy bills.
Read more »
Families already fearing cost of Christmas as they struggle to pay for bills and giftsFamilies are already worried about a cost-of-Christmas crisis, new research suggests.
Read more »
See inside Co Down couple's classic wedding day at Carton House in Kildare'Pick the things you want, do the things you want and do not worry about anyone else. Enjoy each moment as it goes in a blink of an eye!'
Read more »