- Virgin Media O2 has donated hundreds of smartphones and free O2 mobile data to Multibanks in Fife, Swansea and Tees Valley.
- The strategic partnership uses the local knowledge of community leaders to put data and devices into the hands of people who need them.
Virgin Media O2 is helping hundreds of people experiencing financial hardship stay connected this winter and beyond by providing free smartphones and O2 mobile data to The Multibank.
Through this new partnership, the company has donated refurbished phones and O2 data via its Community Calling programme with charity, Hubbub, which are being rehomed to people who need them through Multibanks in Fife, Swansea, and Tees Valley.
It’s part of the operator’s pledge to donate up to 12,000 devices to people who can’t afford data or devices during 2025, and comes as digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, found in its Digital Nation 2025 report that around 1.6m adults don’t have a device, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
The Multibank, set up by former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to help tackle poverty, is a one-stop shop for essential non-food items from clothing to furniture, toys, and now connectivity.
A lifeline this winter
Virgin Media O2’s partnership with The Multibank is providing targeted support thanks to the knowledge of local leaders across each area, who work with partners such as health professionals and schools, to identify the people who are most in need of data and devices in their community.
This includes those who have been made redundant, left the care system, refugees or survivors of domestic abuse.
With the tech and data, people can access a range of online services – such as booking medical appointments; applying for work or taking part in training; finding somewhere safe to stay; and staying in touch with loved ones.
*Jakob, who received a smartphone from the Cwtch Mawr Multibank in Swansea, said:
“When I was in temporary housing, I didn’t have a phone or internet, which made things really tough. Now I can use GPS to find my way around, learn more about the area, and I feel a lot safer knowing I can reach out for help if I need it. I really appreciate the support – it’s made a big difference.”
*Nia, who received a new phone from The Junction Multibank in Tees Valley, added:
“My screen was broken on my mobile and I could not see anything. The phone provided to me has helped me to re-engage with the outside world once again and I don’t need to worry about having money to top this up.”
Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
“We know how important it is to have access to the internet and that’s why Virgin Media O2 is proud to join forces with The Multibank to put phones and mobile data into the hands of people who really need it this winter and beyond.
“It builds on Virgin Media O2’s industry-leading measures to drive digital inclusion across the country. Whether it’s our National Databank that provides free O2 data, our Community Calling programme that rehomes smartphones, or our broadband and mobile plans for people who receive benefits, we’re leading the way in helping people experiencing poverty stay connected.”
Welcoming Virgin Media O2 into The Multibank network, The Multibank President, Gordon Brown, said:
“Having access to the internet and at a minimum, a handheld device, is now an essential service as indispensable as electricity, water, and gas. Yet 45% of households with children are below the Minimum Digital Living Standard and are struggling to get access to the connectivity they need to thrive.
“Virgin Media O2’s partnership with The Multibank to redistribute refurbished phones to people that need them most will boost digital wellbeing and social inclusion. It’s heartwarming to think of the gift of connectivity that will be given to so many families this Christmas and beyond that will now support them in their everyday lives.
“And I thank Virgin Media O2 for joining our coalition of compassion where we can bring hope where it’s needed most.”
Leading the way
The donated phones have been sourced from the company’s supply chain, which is helping to tackle electronic waste by putting unwanted tech back into circulation and, in-turn, is supporting digital inclusion by helping those who can’t afford a device or data to get online.
This builds on Virgin Media O2’s work to tackle digital exclusion and its goal to connect one million digitally excluded people through free and affordable connectivity and services as part of its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan.
This includes:
- Virgin Media O2’s National Databank, set up in partnership with digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, which provides free O2 mobile data to people who need it at O2 stores across the UK.
- Community Calling, launched in partnership with environmental charity, Hubbub, in 2020, which has now rehomed more than 27,000 smartphones, and the Tech Lending Community scheme, which rehomed tablets to people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic abuse.
- Broadband and mobile social tariffs for people who receive government support payments.
*Names have been changed.
Source: Good Things Foundation’s Minimum Digital Living Standard.
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