More than five million people receiving government support may be missing out on a temporary £10 unlimited data, calls, and texts mobile plan designed to help them find work, according to new research from VOXI Mobile, a sub-brand of VodafoneThree. The study, conducted by 3Gem among 2,000 UK adults from lower-income households and those receiving government support between May 22 and May 26, 2026, reveals that 38% have missed or nearly missed a job or career opportunity after running out of data or phone credit.
Survey Highlights Widespread Connectivity Barriers
The research found that 19% of respondents have avoided applying for jobs altogether due to concerns about running out of data or staying connected to Wi-Fi. One in three (31%) rely on their phone as their main route into the workforce, using mobile data over the past 12 months to search for vacancies (26%), update or upload CVs (27%), communicate with employers or recruiters (21%), and submit applications (22%).
Outside employment, 89% of people on lower incomes depend on their smartphone to manage everyday life, from staying connected with friends and family (46%) to managing their money (42%) and exploring new interests or hobbies (30%).
Low Awareness of Social Tariffs
Despite critical reliance on mobile connectivity, awareness of affordable connectivity support remains low. Almost half (47%) of eligible customers are unaware that cheaper mobile social tariffs exist, meaning more than five million people receiving government support could be missing out on lower-cost mobile connectivity. This figure is based on findings that 54% weren't aware that some mobile providers offer cheaper social tariffs for eligible customers, applied to wider UK government benefit claimant data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
67% of those surveyed say access to an unlimited data social tariff would help them stay connected, but the fact that most social tariffs are only accessible online creates an additional barrier for those close to digital exclusion due to their financial circumstances.
Financial and Emotional Strain
The research also found that 55% of respondents on benefits rely on mobile data as their main way of getting online. More than a quarter (26%) run out of data or credit before the end of the month, and over a third (35%) actively ration their data usage to avoid running out. Almost three quarters (73%) say they feel stressed about running out of data or credit, with others reporting feeling anxious (28%), worried (28%), and isolated (11%), highlighting the emotional as well as financial pressures associated with needing to be online.
Many are making cutbacks in their everyday lives to stay connected: 21% have reduced social outings, 19% have reduced meals out, and others have resorted to reducing essential spending, including food shopping (18%), petrol and travel costs (11%), and other bills and monthly payments (11%).
VOXI For Now Pilot Expands Access
In a bid to confront the problem, VOXI Mobile has announced a pilot to widen access to its VOXI for Now social tariff, which offers unlimited data, calls and texts for £10 per month for eligible customers. The tariff, launched in 2020 and previously only available online, will now be offered as a physical SIM through local councils and housing teams, support charities, and prison resettlement programmes. Additionally, Vodafone’s charity partner, Good Things Foundation, will distribute SIMs via a selection of its community hubs.
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree, said: “Social tariffs play a vital role in ensuring that everyone can access the opportunities that connectivity enables, but too many people either don’t know they exist or face barriers to accessing them. By making VOXI For Now available through trusted local partners as a physical SIM, we’re bringing affordable connectivity directly into communities - helping people get online quickly and simply when they need to.”
Liz Lloyd, Minister for Digital Economy, said: “Being connected is crucial for finding work, accessing essential services, and staying in touch with family and friends. That’s why efforts like VOXI’s expansion of its social tariff are so important. Making affordable connectivity easier to access helps break down barriers and ensure more people can get connected when it matters most.”
Gabi Woodhams, Head of Network Delivery at Good Things Foundation, said: “Access to affordable connectivity is essential for people to fully participate in modern life, from finding work to accessing vital services. Yet too many people are still facing barriers to getting online, whether through cost, awareness, or confidence. Tackling digital exclusion is key to ensuring no one is left behind.”
Eligibility and Plan Details
VOXI For Now offers unlimited data, calls, and texts for £10 per month for six months for eligible customers, with no contract and the flexibility to pause or cancel at any time. After six months, if a customer is no longer receiving eligible benefits, the plan changes to £10/month with 20GB data, but customers keep unlimited social media, calls, and texts. Eligible benefits include Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Pension Credit (Verification Evidence).
