Closing the digital divide: New project will help 1,200 people get online and become more independent

Thousands of people experiencing financial hardship across Scotland can now access a free smartphone and mobile data to help them get online, thanks to a new partnership between the Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) network, Virgin Media O2, Hubbub and the Scottish Government.

Through the initiative, Virgin Media O2 has provided 1,200 refurbished smartphones to  Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) across 12 Local Authorities throughout Scotland. The devices are being distributed to people who can’t afford a device or data, enabling them to get online, access essential services, and stay connected with loved one.

Empowering people and strengthening communities

The project was developed in response to what CAB advisers across Scotland were seeing on the ground: people unable to manage basic tasks because they lacked digital access. This was particularly prevalent among vulnerable groups including disabled people, those experiencing homelessness or on low incomes, refugees and asylum seekers, people leaving prison and those fleeing domestic violence.

The project aims to help people become more independent, where having a phone can help them access a variety of online services, such as banking, Universal Credit claims, social housing applications and employment opportunities, and keep in touch with loved ones.

A circular approach to digital inclusion

This Scottish initiative is part of Virgin Media O2’s largest ever device donation programme, where it has pledged to provide 12,000 pre-owned devices to charities across the UK during 2025.

As part of Virgin Media O2’s circular economy strategy, the tech has been sourced from Virgin Media O2’s customer returns and its O2 Recycle service ensuring high quality devices are refurbished, reused, and given a second life rather than sent to landfill.

Each device comes with free O2 mobile data, texts and calls from the National Databank, which it founded with the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation.

The devices and data are being distributed to CABs via Community Calling – set up by Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity, Hubbub, which rehomes smartphones to people who need them.

The Strong Communities team at CAS has been working closely with the CAB network and VMO2 to oversee the project. Kyle Scott, policy manager said: “Having access to a device opens so many opportunities for people, especially within the vulnerable groups identified.

“We know that almost one in ten households in Scotland do not have access to the internet. By providing access to a device, we’re one step closer to eradicating digital exclusion.

“Thanks to Virgin Media O2, we’re providing a significant number of devices to people in Scotland who need them most. From enabling people to contact energy suppliers and arrange medical appointments, to applying for jobs or keeping in touch with loved ones, having this way to connect will help thousands manage their lives more independently.”

CABs offering the devices include those in: Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Aberdeenshire, Highlands, Inverclyde, East Lothian and West Lothian.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“Access to smartphones and data can transform lives, and that’s why we’re proud to work with Citizens Advice Scotland and the Scottish Government to provide these devices, helping local communities get online and thrive across the country.

“With our circular economy strategy, we’re committed to reusing phones from our supply chain to give tech a second life, which is also connecting communities across Scotland, and preventing e-waste. It’s a win-win for people and the planet.”

Business Minister, Richard Lochhead, said:

“Ensuring equitable access to digital tools and services is fundamental to a fairer, more inclusive society. This partnership between Citizens Advice Scotland and Virgin Media O2 demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing digital exclusion.

“By providing refurbished smartphones and free mobile data to those most in need, this initiative is enabling individuals to engage more fully with essential services, employment opportunities, and their communities.”