In Singapore, mobile customers can donate unused 4G to good causes

Mobile operator StarHub's #4Good campaign enables customers to gift excess data from their monthly tariffs to projects using technology for positive causes.

While smartphones have become an indispensable part of many people’s lives, the monthly tariffs attached to them are often overpriced and limited to a few options that leave customers with excess data or calls each month. In the past, Korea-based mobile operator T’s LTE Data Gift scheme has let those with unused data donate it to family members and friends, and now Singapore operator StarHub has launched the #4Good campaign, which enables customers to give it to projects using technology for positive causes.

Starhub subscribers on the company’s Mobile Postpaid tariff are able to opt into the scheme through their devices. After they agree, any calls, SMS and 4G data they have leftover at the end of each billing cycle is recorded. The equivalent amount is then added to the accounts of charities such as the Asian Women’s Welfare Association and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped for free. The idea is that these organizations can provide those in need with talktime and mobile internet allowance to keep in touch with family and make their day-to-day lives easier.

Watch the video below, which acts as a promo for the campaign:

The initiative helps smartphone users feel their excess allowance isn’t going to waste and is instead helping those less fortunate. Are there other ways to help disconnected societies to enjoy the privileges of social technology?