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Disadvantaged schoolchildren can request temporary access to extra mobile data if they don't have fixed broadband at home, can't afford additional data for their devices or are experiencing disruption to face-to-face education.
Following the closure of schools as part of the UK lockdown, the government has announced the measures and currently, seven networks have agreed to join the scheme.
It joins a range of other benefits on offer for those in need - read on to find out more.
We regularly survey customers of the biggest mobile networks to reveal the best and worst UK mobile providers.
Currently, seven networks have agreed to join the scheme:
Data from the telecoms regulator, Ofcom, suggests more than 880,000 children live in a home with only a mobile internet connection, and so could benefit from mobile data increases.
Furthermore, for households with disadvantaged children who have many devices needing to connect to the internet, for which mobile data increases are not suitable, 4G wireless routers are also being made available.
Parents, carers and pupils need to go through their school or local authority to access these benefits. In order to help the application, you should provide the name of the account holder, the mobile number and the network the mobile phone is linked to. Once a network provider has processed a data increase, they'll send a text message to the account holder to let them know the details.
For the 4G wireless routers, you may need to help your school or local authority with more information. For example, you may be asked to provide evidence of what your current internet connectivity situation is.
More information can be found on the gov.uk website.
It remains to be seen what further help will be offered but more providers are bringing in additional benefits. Check your provider's website for more information, and the government's Get Help with Technology page has more information and resources on what's available.
Read about more essential tech and websites for learning at home.
If you are not eligible for this government help, you can still take steps to save money on your telecoms bills.
If you're spending more time at home using wi-fi, it's likely that your mobile data use has plummeted, rendering a high data plan not fit for purpose. Check to see if you can switch to a lower data Sim plan temporarily and save yourself some cash. This will be easier if you are on a 30-day Sim plan. You could also consider switching - our guide on how to switch mobile provider has more.
If you are struggling with your bills, it is worth letting your provider know immediately as there are ways in which they can help you manage costs, whether that be through payment holidays, moving you onto a lower-priced package, or other methods.
Even if you are not particularly struggling, it can still be worth speaking to your provider to negotiate a new deal, particularly if you are out of contract as you can save money without having to leave your provider.
Read our guides on how to haggle with your mobile provider or how to haggle with your broadband provider for some help.