Tariff targets 4.2m UK households
Mobile operator Three UK has launched a new social tariff through its sub-brand Smarty to support Britain’s most disadvantaged people. It is estimated that more than 4.2m households across the UK could benefit from a new tariff that helps those that need it the most. Before any of these potential customers can sign with Three UK they must provide documentary proof that they belong to one of five categories of eligibility, namely those on income-based support, job seekers allowance, unemployment benefit, pensioners and universal credit will be able to get the tariff.
At £12 a month, the ‘exceptional value’ plan offers unlimited data, calls and texts, and 5G at no extra cost. A feature of the pay as you go SIM card only brand Smarty is a flexible one month rolling plan which can be changed or cancelled at any time. This, says Smarty, gives customers complete control, simplicity and value for money with no tie in.
The introduction of the new tariff follows a series of adversity-conscious measures that Three has already implemented. It has donated 1 million GB data to connect 40,000 disadvantaged people through the Good Things Foundation. It offers free access (AKA Zero-rating on data consumption) to anyone that consults seven websites that have been recognised as good providers of financial advice. It also recently relaunched the Reconnected programme which sees old devices refurbished and given to disadvantaged people with six months of unlimited connectivity on Three’s network.
Elaine Carey, Three’s CCO, implied that this would affect Smarty’s existing customer base rather than attract new customers from Britain’s 4.2 million financial challenged households. “With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to put financial pressure on many of our customers, Three is committed to playing its part in the solution,” said Carey, “more than ever, people are in need of support and that should include access to affordable connectivity without restrictions. We are launching this tariff with low-cost access to our network for the customers who need it most.”