These phone companies are not all about profit. The first is for everyone, offering an affordable way to run your mobile phone. And the other two are specifically designed to help people on low incomes, so they are not cut off from society, through digital exclusion.
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 (gradually reducing phone bills)
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.
Who Founded Honest Mobile?
A couple of 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!
SimPal (pre-paid SIM cards for low incomes)
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.
GoodCall (line-rentals for non-profits)
GoodCall is a social enterprise offering mobile phones and line rental for non-profits, at an average saving of 40%. Created by a business partnering with a Scottish homelessness charity, it has collectively saved small charities hundreds of thousands of pounds.
It does this by only offering needed services, rather than signing up charities to premium plans. Operating on EE with good coverage for most areas, it can also supply phones and SIM cards.
The optional Sharer Plan lets one leader use the main data, which can be shared with colleagues. This avoids paying for more data allowances.
So far, GoodCall has saved non-profits a combined £150,000 in telephone fees, money which of course can then be used to do good for their projects. It has saved around 40% on contract costs, for over 200 organisations.
The benefits are immense. For instance, the average mobile phone shop confuses the average techy person, with all the complicated and expensive contracts and tie-ins, and trying to sell different types of phones. And even a standard landline contract is expensive and confusing.
So you can imagine: A tiny budget-strapped wildlife rescue charity or something like that. They are out at all hours rescuing animals and birds, and don’t want to be bothered with all the headache over choosing a phone company (something that’s very important for people to call when wildlife need rescuing).
GoodCall simplifies everything, so charities get a good deal that’s simple and fair to understand, and as a social enterprise, you know you’re not going to get ripped off.
GoodCall recommends Learn My Way, which offers free courses to gain digital skills, if you know more about a badger’s claw or angry teenager needing help, than the different kinds of mobile phones, or what a gigabyte is. It teaches you everything from how to use a mouse and take photos, to different kinds of office programs and managing money (donations) online.
