National Databank
Bury Libraries have partnered with the Good Things Foundation, to offer free SIM cards to residents experiencing digital poverty. The National Databank scheme is supported by O2, Vodafone and Three and the SIM cards provide mobile data, talk minutes and texts.
To receive data through the National Databank you must be a resident of Bury, 18+ years old, from a low-income household, and meet one of the following statements:
- Have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
- Have no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home
- Cannot afford your existing monthly contract or top up
To benefit from the scheme, a recipient's device must be capable of accepting a SIM and of receiving texts. The device must also either be unlocked or, if locked, be locked to O2 or Vodafone. Three SIM cards are data only.
A maximum of 12-months data, calls and texts are allowed on O2 SIM cards. No further applications can be accepted after 12 months.
6-months data, calls and texts are allowed on Vodafone SIM cards. A further application is required for a new SIM card, with a new number that cannot be ported to Vodafone, for another 6-months. No further applications can be accepted after 12 months.
To request a SIM card, please call into your local library, taking one form of ID showing your name and address.
Uncollected SIM cards will be reallocated after 4 weeks.
SIMs should not be used for illegal purposes.
Customers may also be interested in broadband. Find out more about broadband social tariffs.
Digital Skills and Internet Safety courses
Want to improve your digital skills, save money and protect yourself online? Book onto one of our free six week Digital Skills courses.
There are lots of other digital skills learning courses running across the borough. There are also lots of free online digital skills courses available to help build your confidence.
Digital Buddy sessions
Looking for help using a computer, phone, tablet, laptop or other digital device? Then make an appointment at one of our Digital Buddy sessions. Help is available from:
- Ramsbottom Library: Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm
- Radcliffe Library: Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm
- Prestwich Library: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm and Thursdays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
- Bury Library: Thursdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Contact your local library to book an appointment.
Free Wi-Fi and computer access
Libraries continue to offer free Wi-Fi and computer access. If you need help getting onto the computers, or using the internet, please just ask a member of staff for help.