Update 29/11/22:

This programme is now CLOSED.

We’ve now given out all our cards with the help of community groups all over Northern Ireland. Thank you to everyone who helped!

Supporting Communities is delighted to provide free connectivity to those who need it through a Vodafone initiative to tackle digital exclusion. We will distribute 1500 free SIM cards to those who have difficulty paying for internet access or are digitally excluded.

Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is part of its commitment to tackle digital exclusion and connect one million people by the end of 2022. The programme provides people with a free SIM with 20GB of data a month for six months – plus unlimited calls and texts – through a network of charity partners.

Emma Reynolds, Head of Communications, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Vodafone UK, said:

“We are committed to tackling digital exclusion. We hope that by providing free connectivity to Supporting Communities and the other amazing charities across the UK who have such an enormous impact on their local communities, we can help create a more inclusive digital society. We urge any organisation who thinks they can benefit to apply online and look forward to hearing how this connectivity has helped.”

Our Digital Inclusion Officer, Stef McKillop, will be managing the programme to distribute the SIM cards. She is eager to spread the word about this programme to ensure Northern Ireland’s communities take advantage of this offer.

“We have access to 1500 of these SIM cards, and they can really help people struggling with the cost of living crisis, data poverty, and digital exclusion,” she said.

Stef went on to say there is no need for community groups to go through a formal process to get them from us. Just get in touch, and we’ll make it happen!