On Air Now

After Hours

Midnight - 2:00am

Now Playing

Kokomo

I Can Understand It

Listen Live Watch

Residents can bank on getting connected with their phones thanks to vital scheme

Wednesday, 12 October 2022 15:45

By David Murphy

Rochdale Borough Council have joined in the bid to end data poverty by offering free mobile connection to residents on low incomes.

It works much like a food bank, giving data to people whose financial situation prevents them from having online access.

Individuals can take benefit if they are 18 or over and from a low income household. They must also not have access or have insufficient access to the internet at home or away from home, and they must not be in a position to afford their existing contract or top up.

Through the council, residents and refugees who are in data poverty, can access the free data for up to 12 months to be able to carry out everything from online banking, to job search, interviews and contact with essential health services.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “No one in today’s world should be forced out of being connected due to their circumstances.

“Everyone should have an equal right to be able to access the internet be it for reaching essential services or keeping in touch with loved ones.

“As this cost of living crisis deepens at least we have a drop of comfort knowing that those in data poverty can get online.”

An initial meeting is held with the council’s digital coordinator who establishes which of three different offers of data is suitable. A SIM card is then installed into the person’s phone.

Most importantly, digital support is also offered. It is not just a case of ensuring connectivity, assistance is given with training and learning, if that is needed. That could be for such as how to get the best deals on energy or insurance. People are given the confidence to understand what they are doing and wanting to do.

The idea of the scheme, organised by the Good Things Foundation, is to reduce isolation and to improve people’s lives to be able to do what many of us take for granted. The aim being to reduce the poverty gap and make sure that everyone who wants to is able to be connected.

Share

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.

  • Up Before the Alarm

    5:00am - 7:00am

    for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.

  • Wednesday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.

  • Business Spotlight

    10:00am - 11:00am

    Join Geoff Kirkman on The Business Spotlight show on Roch Valley Radio.

  • Community Spotlight

    11:00am - Noon

    Join Tim and Geoff on The Community Spotlight show on Roch Valley Radio is a platform for local charities and organizations to share their work with the community.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.