If you're struggling to get online, you can get a free SIM card from our libraries which are preloaded with data, calls and texts to help reduce digital exclusion.

The Good Things Foundation provides the SIMs for free with the Suffolk funding covering the cost of managing the scheme. If you don’t have a working mobile phone number or mobile data it can make life very difficult to apply for jobs or benefits and people in this position are least able to afford a regular mobile phone contract.

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How does it work?

To get a referral you will need to speak to a member of staff at a library or partner organisation (with exceptions – you can contact databank@suffolklibraries.co.uk to find out more). They will then complete a short form with you. SIM cards should then be ready to collect from your chosen library the following week.

To be eligible you need to meet the following criteria:

• You must be 18 years old or over
• 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 will also need a mobile device unlocked to any network (or compatible with Vodafone, 3 or O2). There are three options available:

• O2 - 25GB data, unlimited calls and texts for up to a year
• Vodafone - 40GB, unlimited calls and texts for up to 6 months
• Three – a one-off provision of 24GB of data (suitable for SIM-enabled tablets or a USB dongle for laptops)

For more information about the scheme visit the Good Things Foundation website.

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Which libraries are offering free SIM cards?

The databank is available at all our 45 libraries across Suffolk, and our staff are trained to make referrals. You can visit your local library during opening hours to be referred for the scheme. The SIM card will then be sent to your selected library to collect within a week.

This scheme is funded by the Digital Inclusion Fund which has been kindly provided by Suffolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk Community Foundation.

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