Smarty UK Launch Cheap 5G Mobile Unlimited Data Social Tariff UPDATE
Mobile network operator Smarty has quietly added the ‘SMARTY Social Tariff‘ to their website, which as the name suggests is a low-cost unlimited data (mobile broadband), calls and texts (SMS) plan that is only available to those on eligible state benefits and costs just £12 per month.
Smarty, which is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on Three UK’s platform, previously already had one of the cheapest 4G and 5G capable unlimited data plans in the market (it’s often discounted to just £16 per month) and that’s despite only attaching a 1-month minimum contract term.
The new ‘SMARTY Social Tariff‘ follows the same mould, except it does so at the much lower price point of just £12 per month. On top of that, the plan also supports “unrestricted tethering in the UK” and inclusive EU Roaming (12GB fair use limit).
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In terms of eligibility, anybody who is in receipt of income-based employment support, income-based job seekers, income support, pension credit or universal credit are eligible for the SMARTY Social Tariff. Assuming you qualify, then the plan is supposedly available to both new and existing customers, although there is a catch for the latter.
At the time of writing, the option for existing Smarty customers to adopt the plan doesn’t seem to work (i.e. clicking on the button gives no response). Similarly, if you follow the “I’m new to Smarty” button instead, then the next page asks – “Do you have a SMARTY SIM already?“. But the option for ‘Yes’ on that page doesn’t work there either. So, for now, you can only follow the new customer journey to take it.
Credits to one of our readers (Jade) for spotting the new plan. Finally, a quick reminder – we know social tariffs can be divisive for some, but that is not an excuse to abuse the comment system in order to post offensive remarks toward those who take state benefits. Such posts are against our rules and will be removed.
UPDATE 13th Feb 2023
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Three UK has today officially confirmed their launch of the aforementioned social tariff through their sub-brand SMARTY. In addition, I forgot to mention that Three UK also managed to resolve the website issue, which was preventing some existing customers from being able to sign-up.
Elaine Carey, Three’s CCO, said:
“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. More than ever, people are in need of support and that should include access to affordable connectivity without restrictions.
I am delighted that we are launching this tariff today, offering low-cost access to our network for the customers who need it most.”
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
Not bad for the price. If those less fortunate get to save a few extra £ per month and have access to unlimited mobile data then I’m all for it.
I am on it. Nice smarty fast 5G speedy for £12 a month. 🙂 Thanks Smarty.
People on low incomes should follow The Wee Bear’s example and rack up 4 centuries worth of SMARTY months using the referral system
Benefits of it over the Voxi offering is 1. It’s cheaper by £3 (every penny counts) and 2. While Voxi offer unlimited everything in their offering, it’s only for 6 months before you go onto their standard offering.
Smarty seem to go by the 1 monthly offering which is far better.
One wonders who will be the next MNVO to follow with a social tariff announcement because if two have already proven it can be done than there’s no reason why others can’t follow.
Thank you Mark for this item of news btw
Incorrect.
I had voxi unlimited plan for 10£ and it was active for this price for nearly 2 years.
Wrong Gregowski, the Voxi social tariff is only £10 for unlimited everything for only 6 months after which you should be moved onto their standard £10 plan which is unlimited calls and texts but 30GB data.
Their social tariff is not meant for use linger than the initial 6 months.
Thankfully Smarty don’t have this condition.
Three offered me a second sim at £12 a month late last year. So I guess this has always been available just not under Smarty
£12/month on a 1 month rolling contract or £12/month for a 12 month contract?
When I was a poor student with no job I would get the 5 quid tariff. A decade later I’m still on the same 5 quid tariff. Anyone wishing to save money would be smart to be on the 5 quid. Smarty is actually getting better ARPU from the poor falling for this
There’s just one problem with this, Smarty are one of the few networks that don’t allow texts to short codes, even free ones such as the NHS response number.
Given many needing a social tariff will also be those most in need of NHS and similar services, I can see this being a double edged sword. It would be much better if Three promoted the same deal under their main brand, without pushing the serious limitations of their Smarty service on the most vulnerable.
I texted into the radio yesterday using their short code and I’m on SMARTY
Finally a social tariff that is actually a good deal, the rest of what I’ve seen are poor value that can easily be beaten if you shop around.
I’m curious, does Smarty and other operators that have launched these social tariffs get any money from the government? What is the incentive for them to have these tariffs, other than PR?