Gamma backs Rebel Telecom's child-safe mobile model

Gamma is backing Rebel Telecom as the startup heads to Parliament, amid a wider debate in Britain over children's online safety.

Rebel Telecom has built a mobile offer for children that combines a smartphone, its own operating system, a parent app and a SIM service linked to funding for schools and youth programmes. Gamma is supporting the business through its mobile virtual network operator platform.

Discussion in Westminster has intensified as policymakers consider tighter online rules for children, including proposals to limit social media access for under-16s. Ofcom figures cited by the companies show that 94% of secondary school-aged children now own a mobile phone, with ownership rising as pupils move from primary to secondary school.

Rather than relying only on restrictions added to standard devices, Rebel Telecom says it has designed its system specifically for children. Its operating system removes unrestricted web browsing and social media by design, while allowing parents to introduce features gradually as a child gets older.

Schools can also place devices into a restricted mode during the school day, the company says, in an effort to support existing school policies on mobile phone use.

Parliament focus

The parliamentary briefing has brought together MPs, peers, educators and technology executives to discuss the role innovation can play in children's digital wellbeing. For Gamma, backing Rebel Telecom is a bet on a startup trying to address a politically sensitive issue through product design and a social funding model.

The telecom model also includes a give-back mechanism. Rebel Telecom says every SIM plan for families, individuals or businesses allows customers to direct a share of their monthly spending to a school, university, college or the YESS Foundation.

Mike Mills, Managing Director of Service Providers at Gamma, explained why the company chose to support the venture.

"At Gamma, we've always believed technology should improve lives. When we first met Munur and the Rebel Telecom team, it was clear this wasn't simply another mobile proposition. It was an opportunity to use connectivity as a force for good. Supporting organisations with bold ideas is part of who we are, but what really resonated was the purpose behind Rebel Telecom. Their ambition to help children develop healthier relationships with technology, while giving back to schools and communities, aligns closely with our own values. We're proud that our MVNO platform has helped turn that vision into reality, and we're equally proud to see that conversation now taking place in Parliament," said Mike Mills, Managing Director of Service Providers at Gamma.

Child-first model

Rebel Telecom argues that devices for children should be built differently from mainstream smartphones. Its model is based on the view that children should not be handed adult devices and left to adapt to them.

Munur Shah, Co-founder of Rebel Telecom, said: "This has never been about creating another mobile network. It's about creating an intentional digital ecosystem that educates and protects children, empowers parents, supports healthy development and gives back to the communities raising the next generation. We believe technology should safeguard children. That means designing technology for children, not handing them adult devices and expecting them to adapt. Healthier digital lives begin with education and design."

Shah linked the parliamentary invitation to a broader policy shift.

"The invitation to Parliament reflects something much bigger than Rebel Telecom. It shows there is growing recognition that industry has an important role to play alongside parents, educators and government in shaping healthier digital lives for young people. Gamma believed in our vision from an early stage and gave us the platform to turn that vision into reality. Without that support, we simply wouldn't be where we are today," said Shah.

Gamma is a communications provider with operations across Europe and more than 2,200 employees. The group sells to businesses and public sector organisations, with core markets in the UK and Germany and additional operations in Spain and the Benelux region.

For Rebel Telecom, the parliamentary appearance is an early test of whether a specialist mobile provider can win attention in a sector dominated by larger consumer brands while also influencing the policy debate around young people's use of smartphones. The company says it is already working with schools across the country.