Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today launched a new 4G and 5G mobile plan to support UK people on low incomes, which is a low-cost data (mobile broadband), calls and texts (SMS) plan that is only available to those on eligible state benefits and costs just £10 per month.
The new ‘Essential Plan’ is available for both new and existing customers who receive a range of benefit payments, and comes with 10GB of mobile data, plus unlimited calls and texts. The plan can be taken as a 30-day rolling contract, has no activation or exit fees, and no price changes while customers receive benefit payments.
In addition, the new social tariff comes with inclusive EU Roaming as standard and allows customers to access the O2 Priority rewards programme. The Essential Plan is available for people who receive any of the following government support payments: Income-based Employment Support Allowance (I-ESA), Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (I-JSA), Income Support (IS), Pension Credit (PC) or Universal Credit (UC).
The new tariff is intended to complement Virgin Media’s own Essential Broadband tariff, which enables those on state benefits to take an unlimited 15Mbps (2Mbps upload) connection on a 30-day rolling contract for just £12.50 per month, rising to £20 per month if you opt for their faster 54Mbps (5Mbps upload) tier. Plus, if you pay an extra £20 one-off, then you’re able to add their STREAM TV box.
Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at VMO2, said:
“Virgin Media O2 is proud to offer a range of comprehensive measures to help people on low incomes to get online and stay in touch with loved ones.
While we know mobile connectivity in the UK is already very affordable, the launch of the O2 Essential Plan builds on our wide range of existing support for people experiencing financial difficulties. This includes our broadband plan for people receiving support payments, the National Databank providing free mobile data for people in need, and our Community Calling scheme which rehomes smartphones with people who need them.”
The catch here is that there are cheaper plans – often available with even bigger data allowances – available on the wider market too, including for consumers who don’t take state benefits. Examples can be found on iD Mobile, Smarty, VOXI and even some of O2’s MVNO providers like giffgaff or Tesco Mobile are pretty good (but the latter two tend to require longer 12-18 month contract terms).
Finally, a quick reminder. We know social tariffs can be a divisive topic for some, but that is not an excuse to abuse the comment system in order to post offensive remarks toward those who take state benefits. Such posts are against our rules and will be removed.