Households most at risk of going without internet access are set to benefit from a new scheme providing free connectivity and mobile phones.
Housing association GreenSquareAccord (GSA) has launched the scheme to help tackle ‘data poverty’, meaning people cannot afford access to the internet to use essential services such as booking GP appointments.
GSA, which serves the West Midlands and South West, is providing 65 mobile phones to customers experiencing data poverty. Digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation is supplying SIM card packages free for up to 12 months.
Those particularly at risk of data poverty include low-income households, people aged over 65, and individuals with experience of the criminal justice system.
Theresa Jones, Locality Manager at GSA, said: “Access to the internet and digital services has become an essential, not a luxury.
“Some customers tell us they can’t afford a phone handset, Wi-Fi, or a data package and struggle to access vital online services. The funding will enable us to help at least 65 of our customers who are at risk of digital exclusion.”
GSA’s initiative to tackle data poverty has been funded by a donation of £3,811 from Efficiency East Midlands Limited (EEM). EEM is a not-for-profit procurement company delivering value for money for the public sector.
The scheme has also been shortlisted for the Building Communities Awards 2026, hosted by EEM.
Molly Grice, Marketing Officer at EEM, said: “This initiative will make a real difference to customers who are struggling to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
“We’re always pleased to see our Community Donations used in such a beneficial way, and this project is a great example of how our Community Donation scheme can deliver real social value for our members and their communities.”
Image depicts the GreenSquareAccord (GSA) logo.