Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative managed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Find out more
Staying connected after the end of your free data
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If your free Connecting Scotland MiFi data is coming to an end there are a number of ways you can carry on getting free or low cost access to the internet.
1. The Good Things Foundation National Databank
The Good Things Foundation offer free SIM cards which provide mobile data via their National Databank.
The Good Things Foundation outline on their website that “to be eligible for free mobile data through the National Databank, you must be:
- 18+ years old AND from a low-income household
- AND/OR have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
- AND/OR have no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home
- AND/OR cannot afford an existing monthly contract or top up”
You can read more about the Databank and how to collect a SIM by searching “Good Things Foundation National Databank” or visit the link:
https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/our-services/national-databank
You can find a map of digital inclusion hubs on their website or visit the link to find a hub close to you:
https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/find-support/map
You can identify those participating in the Databank by clicking on the hub and checking whether they are listed as a ‘Databank Providing Free Data’.
Please note, some SIM cards provided via the National Databank need to be used in a mobile phone to be topped up with free data each month.
2. Broadband and mobile social tariffs
Broadband and mobile social tariffs are cheaper than standard broadband packages. They are a good option if you use more than 40GB of data per month.
You can get a broadband or mobile social tariff if you’re paid Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support.
Find out more about social tariffs by visiting the Ofcom website.
3. Find a free internet connection in your area
You may be able to use a computer and get online for free somewhere close to you. Public libraries can give you access to the internet. You can find your nearest public library on mygov.scot: https://www.mygov.scot/public-libraries
4. Set up a standard pay-as-you-go or fixed contract connection
You can use comparison websites such as uswitch and MoneySavingExpert to find the best standard and pay as you go or fixed term deals.
Advice about broadband deals
Citizens Advice can help you choose the best broadband deal for you. Check the Citizens Advice Scotland website or contact their helpline: 0800 028 1456.
You can also visit the Citizens Advice Money Talk Team website which has general information on reducing bills and easing the cost of living.
Who to contact
If you have any questions, want help to set up paid internet, or if you are worried about the end of your free MiFi data, you can contact the free Connecting Scotland helpline: 0800 0 590 690 (Monday - Friday, 10am – 4pm) or email: help@connecting.scot.
Example image of a Connecting Scotland MiFi or 'dongle':
We have issued different models across the programme and yours may look a little different.