The Shared Network

In 2019, homelessness became an epidemic in Ireland when those seeking temporary accommodation or living on the streets topped 10,000 for the first time in the country’s history. And although many of those people have smartphones, few can afford data – which means they often don’t have access to reliable online communications, leaving them disconnected from information and isolated from family and friends. In an age where information is power and connectivity is key to everyday life, those who can't access this privilege are left behind.

Many mobile users have more data than they can use each month and take for granted just how valuable unused data can be. With our partners at An Post, we developed The Shared Network – the first mobile initiative created specifically to connect Ireland’s homeless community with unused data. The service empowers the people of Ireland to donate data they don’t use to those who need it most and help Ireland’s homeless community get back on their feet.