Flintshire Council becomes first local authority in north Wales to offer free SIM cards and data vouchers

In a move to ensure that all residents have equal access to the digital world, Flintshire County Council has joined forces with the Good Things Foundation to provide free SIM cards and data vouchers to low-income residents.

The council becomes the first local authority in north Wales to launch a Databank in a partnership that aims to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources.

The free SIM cards and data vouchers are available from the council’s Connects Centres in Buckley, Connah’s Quay, Flint, Holywell and Mold to eligible residents, taking “a trust-based approach.”

The data has been provided by major telecommunication companies such as Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three.

The Good Things Foundation is a charity that helps people improve their lives through digital means.

Their vision aligns well with the council’s ambition to ensure that all residents have equal access to the digital world.

The partnership between the council and the charity aims to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of their income level.

Flintshire County Council said it is “committed to providing equal opportunities to all residents and encourages those in need to take advantage of this opportunity and visit one of the five Connects Centres for a free SIM card and data voucher.”

Flintshire’s Cabinet Member for Governance and Corporate Services, Councillor Billy Mullin, said:

“Providing free data SIMs to residents in low-income households means no one should be left behind in our developing digital world.”

“The teams at our Connects Centres are available to support residents to access the internet and I encourage anyone who needs our help to get in touch.”

“As part of the council’s digital vision, we are working with partners to support people to get online, helping residents access the internet, data connectivity and devices, helping to fix the digital divide in communities.”

Good Things Foundation’s Director for Evidence and Engagement, Emma Stone, said:

“We are thrilled Flintshire has come on board and joined our network and National Databank.”]

“As a proud partner to Cwmpas and Digital Communities Wales – we hope more councils and community organisations will follow Flintshire’s example and help to tackle data poverty and fix the digital divide in communities.”

• You can find out about the National Databank and Good Things Foundation here.