Increasing Mobile Data Allowance

by | Jan 20, 2021 | Parent Communication | 0 comments

 

Increasing data allowances on mobile devices to support disadvantaged children

This scheme temporarily increases data allowances for mobile phone users on certain networks. This is so that disadvantaged children and young people can access remote education if their face-to-face education is disrupted, and they do not have access to broadband at home.

Who can get help

Schools, trusts and local authorities (ordering for maintained schools) in England can request mobile data increases for disadvantaged children and young people in years 3 to 11 who are not able to attend school due to national lockdown restrictions. They must meet all 3 of these criteria:

  • do not have fixed broadband at home
  • cannot afford additional data for their devices
  • are experiencing disruption to their face-to-face education

Schools, trusts and local authorities can also make requests for children and young people who meet the criteria above, and are:

  • in any year group and have been advised to shield because they (or someone they live with) are clinically extremely vulnerable
  • in any year group attending a hospital school

Mobile data increases are currently not available for:

  • children who typically receive home education (also known as ‘elective home education’ or ‘home schooling’)
  • care leavers who are not attending school or further education
  • students in further education

Which mobile networks can increase data

Children with access to a mobile phone on one of the following networks might be able to benefit:

  • EE
  • O2
  • Sky Mobile
  • SMARTY
  • Tesco Mobile
  • Three
  • Virgin Mobile
  • Vodafone

Other providers will join the scheme at a later stage.

 

How to Request a Mobile Data Increase

Fill out the mobile data increase form and school will make the request on your behalf.

The amount of data you will get depends on your mobile network (see below for details). Some networks can’t offer data to Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) customers.

When the request has been processed you will receive:

  • A text message when their free data has been activated
  • When their free data will end
  • That this data can be used when tethering a mobile phone to another device for internet access
Data Increase Request Form

Be aware that until the end of January, it may take EE some time to process requests.

  • The recipient will get 20GB of additional data per month until 31 July 2021.
  • The offer is available to both Pay Monthly and Pay-as-you-go customers.
  • A text message will be sent to the nominated device once the additional data has been added to the account.

Be aware that until the end of January, it may take O2 some time to process requests.

  • The recipient will get 40GB of additional data per month until 31 July 2021.
  • The offer is available to both Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go customers.
  • A text message will be sent to the nominated device once the additional data has been added to the account.
  • The recipient will get 100GB of additional data.
  • The offer is available to Pay Monthly customers identified as needing this support.
  • Sky Mobile customers will be able to see the data uplift in their piggybank.
  • Sky Mobile will aim to process the request within 14 days.
  • The recipient will get unlimited data until 31 July 2021.
  • The offer is available to both Pay Monthly and Pay-as-you-go customers.
  • A text message will be sent to the nominated device once the additional data has been added to the account.
  • SMARTY will aim to process the request within 14 days.
  • The recipient will get 20GB of additional data per month until 31 July 2021.
  • The offer is only available to Pay Monthly customers identified as needing this support. It’s not available to Pay-as-you-go customers.
  • A text message will be sent to the nominated device once the additional data has been added to the account.
  • Tesco Mobile will aim to process the request within 14 days.
  • The recipient will get unlimited data until 31 July 2021.
  • The offer is available to both Pay Monthly and Pay-as-you-go customers.
  • A text message will be sent to the nominated device once the additional data has been added to the account.
  • Three will aim to process the request within 14 days.
  • The recipient will get 20GB of additional data per month until 31 July 2021.
  • The offer is only available to Pay Monthly customers identified as needing this support. It’s not available to Pay-as-you-go customers.
  • A text message will be sent to the nominated device once the additional data has been added to the account.
  • Virgin Mobile will aim to process the request within 14 days.
  • Wi-Fi hotspots are open to all existing customers, including those on Pay-as-you-go. Customers on Pay-as-you-go will need to have a minimum of £5 credit. Instructions to download the app and find their nearest hotspot can be found by going to www.virginmedia.com/wifiapp.

Be aware that until the end of January, it may take Vodafone some time to process requests.

  • The recipient will get unlimited data until 31 July 2021.
  • The offer is available to both Pay monthly and Pay as you go customers. Pay as you go customers must have a Big Value Bundle worth £10 or above to be eligible.
  • A text message will be sent to the nominated device once the additional data has been added to the account.

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