Vodafone has launched a brand-new plan to help anyone who has been made redundant or become unemployed as a result of the ongoing public health crisis. The new monthly mobile plan is designed to cut monthly expenses, but keep people connected so that they’re able to make and receive calls, search and apply online and send texts as frequently as needed to help them get back on their feet. To do that, Vodafone is dishing out unlimited mobile data, including 4G and 5G for those with a 5G-ready smartphone, unlimited minutes and texts for £10 a month.
Even better than that, Vodafone has made sure that people aren’t tied into any lengthy contracts – that’s crucial given the uncertainty at the moment. As such, the new plan will be available for a maximum of six months, with no fuss, no need for a credit check, and no contract to sign. With unemployment predicted to reach a peak of one million people by the end of 2020, unfortunately, there is likely to be a good number of people in need of the unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts available with this plan.
According to Vodafone, its new plan is “designed to help reduce monthly outgoings for those who are most financially vulnerable”. The new affordable plan is only available on Vodafone’s VOXI brand, although you’ll benefit from the same 4G and 5G signal across the UK as Vodafone. It’s open to anyone – not just the under 25s – currently claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or employment-based Universal Credit.
Customers on the new unlimited plan will enjoy the same great benefits that come with being a VOXI customer, so there’s no compromises simply because the plan is available at a reduced cost. The plan gives customers a 70 percent discount compared to the usual price for the same 4G and 5G allowance, text messages and call minutes, which would typically cost around £35 a month from VOXI and Vodafone.
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Nick Jeffery, CEO of Vodafone UK, said: “We want to provide financial relief to those people most in need at this incredibly difficult time. And we want to make sure those people keep connected, because we know how vital that is – vital to finding new work, and vital to good mental health. If you can’t afford your current plan, or you know someone who is struggling, we can help.”
As well as introducing the new plan for job seekers, Vodafone has also extended the free unlimited data it made available for NHS workers earlier in the year until 31 January 2021, and earlier this year Vodafone offered business customers six months free broadband to help reduce their monthly outgoings during lockdown.
Vodafone is one of a number of UK networks announcing support for those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Last month, EE confirmed plans to extend its own offer for NHS workers, which was due to expire on October 9, 2020. The limited-time deal, which was first announced six months ago, is now due to end on January 31, 2021 and includes a unlimited allowance of monthly mobile data. According to EE, since the offer launched on April 9 some 270,000 NHS staff have taken up the free upgrade. Regardless of whether you have a SIM-only plan, two-year phone contract, or rolling Pay As You Go, EE will grant NHS workers unlimited mobile data to keep in touch with friends and family – even if you’re away from a home broadband connection.
To be eligible, all NHS staff need to do is register online with a valid NHS email address. After that, EE will send out a text confirming the unlimited data has been successfully applied to your account.
