National Databank

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.

However 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

Please note that individuals must access the National Databank for themselves and are unable to collect on behalf of anyone else.

Find local support here and visit a nearby National Databank.