Access the Internet

Sunderland City Council are working with Good Things Foundation to deliver National Databanks locally.  A databank is like a foodbank, but instead of supplying food it supplies free SIMs cards; helping vulnerable people get connected  to the internet. Find out how to register your organisation as a Databank or find your nearest Databank

Cheaper broadband rates are offered to people claiming certain benefits, such as, Universal Credit.  The Digital Poverty Alliance announced that only 4% of households claim the reduced rate, which can save people hundreds of £££s a year.  Find out what benefits are included, compare packages and see how you can apply  here.

Using free Wi-Fi while out and about means you can reduce the data you use on your device.  The Galleries, Washington offer free Wi-Fi, and thanks to Sunderland City Council and Boldyn Networks residents and visitors to the city centre and Roker can Go Online for free too, see how it works. Other places that may offer customers free Wi-Fi include places where you eat and drink, shopping centres, bus companies, libraries, university, leisure centres, etc.  If you're unsure ask staff who work there.  To learn how to connect to Wi-Fi watch this short video. 

The technology that we currently use to make landline phone calls is being upgraded over the next few years.  It is not just happening in the UK but all over the world.  Find out more about the digital switchover here..

Ofcom have produced a  mobile coverage checker.  Designed to help people find out about the availability of mobile services in a particular area.  See if where you live, study or work has good coverage from your provider.  This is useful if you are a lone worker and you want to check mobile coverage in an area before you visit, or if you are choosing a mobile phone provider you can check that where you live receives a signal.

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