Sustainable Phone Networks (that do good for others)
Ecotalk: A Phone Network That Funds Rewilding
ecotalk is a mobile network run on green energy. With great 5G coverage, unlike most phone companies that are in the business of selling phones, this company encourages you to keep your phone as long as possible (and buy refurbished phones) and just offers simple affordable plans.
Ecotalk operates a unique business model called ‘not for dividend’. This basically means that it does not exist to pay shareholders through dividends, instead uses profits to go back into the missions of giving land back to nature, creating vital habitats and restoring British wildlife.
First of all, text INFO to 85075 from your current phone, to receive a text to say if you are still in contract, when it ends and if there are early termination fees. This way you can decide whether to switch immediately, or wait until your contract ends.
There are a range of SIM-only plans on rolling monthly contracts (with no exit fees if you decide to leave).
The company’s motto is ‘bees don’t sting’. In other words, you won’t get hooked into shock price increases. And if you need help, you speak to a real human. Not only that, you can remember the person’s name, and ask to speak to the same person next time!
It even has an affordable basic tariff for those of us with dumb phones (simple ‘make calls and send a text, if you’re not a smartphone user).
How to Activate Your New SIM
Once the SIM card is in your phone, just download the app, to activate your card in minutes. You can use a new phone number or keep your old phone number (contact your old provider for the PAC number or text PAC to 65075 from the current number).
To unlock your phone from the old network, text UNLOCK to 85075, to receive info (this is usually free and takes 3 to 5 working days).
To switch providers without changing your number, select this option when ordering your SIM, giving your STAC code (text 75075 – valid for 30 days).
It costs £2 a day to make calls in the EU. Outside the EU, international roaming is activated automatically when you arrive, but know that calls will be more expensive, so check rates before travel.
Projects Supported by Ecotalk
Ecotalk works with ecological expert Chris Packham to choose rewilding sites (currently mostly in Sussex and Devon). Projects so far supported through this company’s donations include:
- Restoring habitats for beavers in Sussex
- Restoring habitats for wild barn owls
- Restoring natural hedge habitats for hedgehogs
- Planting flower-rich meadows and woodlands (Sussex)
- Protecting historic wet woodlands (Devon)
- Planting marshy scrapes (shallow ponds that prevent floods and provide habitats for wetland creatures) in Devon
SimPal (free pre-paid SIM cards for low incomes)
Obviously it’s not good to be on your phone all the time. But these days, not having access to a mobile phone can sometimes leave vulnerable people feeling scared and alone, and even cut off from their GP or being able to find a job or claim benefits that they are entitled to.
SimPal is an award-winning charity that provides free pre-paid SIM cards (6 months duration with 20G data per month) to people affected by digital poverty. Or those living with cancer or poor health. Where possible, actual phones are also provided. This lets people on low incomes stay in touch, call for help or apply for jobs and benefits (the service is not means-tested).
The charity welcomes donated factory-set 4G working phones (preferably factory-reset) to their website’s registered address, if you have any sitting unused in drawers. These must be 4G only and in working condition (no broken screens, with passwords and Google accounts removed, and preferably factory reset). Send to their registered address.
Obviously we don’t want a world with everyone glued to their mobile phones or laptops. But the truth is that in today’s world, to be digitally connected can make a real difference to people’s lives. And those on very low incomes are not going to be able to afford (or understand) the complicated contracts sold by people in mobile phone shops or even in supermarkets.
Here are testimonials from people who have benefitted from Simpal:
A woman in London with multiple disabilities had her 8-year phone break. This cut her off from healthcare professionals, support staff and vital services. She could not manage her care, pay bills or plan any travel.
A young boy with cancer was undergoing medical treatment for leukaemia and many other serious conditions. A mobile phone and SIM helped him stay in touch with medical teams, school and family (including when he was in hospital for a long time).
A patient with breathing difficulties (who finds it difficult to even move independently) now can order food, contact the GP and feel a little more connected.
A refugee living in emergency accommodation was disconnected from his housing officer and support services, when his phone broke. His new phone is now the turning point to a stable job, income and home.
A homeless man (due to family breakdown) ended up feeling hopeless, and even got arrested. He’s now building his life again with professional support, after mental health issues. Thanks to Simpal, he now has a phone to stay in contact with friends and his probation officer, and ensure he can access his benefits, to get his life sorted.
Honest Mobile (gradually reducing phone bills)
Obviously it’s not good to be on your phone all the time. But these days, not having access to a mobile phone can sometimes leave vulnerable people feeling scared and alone, and even cut off from their GP or being able to find a job or claim benefits that they are entitled to.
Honest Mobile is a unique company, that aims to take over from the big mobile companies. There’s a Smart SIM that works alongside for unbeatable signal and free global roaming.
But its flagship offering is the Everyday SIM with unlimited calls and texts. Run on fast 5G, bills gradually reduce with loyalty, for savings up to 30% (with 5 days free EU roaming for every trip).
You can update your 30 day or 12 month plan whenever you like, and get help from their friendly support team, at any time.
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a (recycled plastic) SIM card. Just enter the last 4 digits of the number on the back into the app with the option to keep your number, or get a new one. If transferring your number, wait until your old SIM stops working, then swap in your Honest SIM, and your old plan will cancel.
Founded by young eco-entrepreneurs, who were fed up of the big phone networks charging more and giving less. So they decided to build the best mobile network for everyday people, rewarding customer loyalty and giving top-notch customer service.
The company is also passionate about helping the planet. It removes carbon emissions, all packaging is made from post-consumer recycled plastic and it never sends paper bills to customers. The office runs on clean energy, and even their (vegan) snacks cupboard is packed with eco-friendly brands!
