Everyone can do their bit for Ukraine and that includes mobile networks, as Three has just shown by rolling out a connectivity support package for Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK.
Now, any incoming refugees from the country will be able to visit any of Three’s 311 UK stores to get a free 30-day Pay As You Go SIM card preloaded with unlimited domestic calls and texts, as well as unlimited data for use within the UK.
Of course, many refugees may want to call friends and family who are still in Ukraine, and Three has catered for that too, as the network also offers free calls and texts from the UK to Ukraine for all Three customers. Technically you will be charged for these, but the charge will automatically be credited back to your account.
Elaine Carey, Chief Commercial Officer at Three UK and Ireland, said: “Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine at this traumatic time. As a mobile network, the best way we can support is to ensure refugees arriving in the UK from the conflict and customers currently in Ukraine can stay connected to the people who matter to them.”
These measures aren’t all Three is doing to offer support, as the network has also previously announced that it had removed roaming charges everywhere in Ukraine.
So whether you’re a free customer in Ukraine, calling or texting Ukraine from the UK, or a refugee in need of mobile connectivity in the UK, Three has policies and packages in place to help.
It’s a great move that comes at a time – and for a place – where staying connected and in touch is all the more important and could be all the harder to achieve.
It’s worth noting that Vodafone has put similar measures in place, while EE, O2 and some smaller networks have implemented some of these measures, but haven’t so far gone as far as to offer free pre-loaded SIM cards to refugees, so hopefully they’ll follow suit soon.
