Virgin Media O2 hits digital inclusion milestone with 1 million people connected

• Virgin Media O2 has achieved its bold digital inclusion goals as part of its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan
• The company’s innovative products, programmes and partnerships have helped one million people experiencing digital exclusion to get online

Virgin Media O2 has helped close the digital divide by providing one million people with free data, devices, and greater access to its network in rural areas.

The company has achieved its ambitious five-year goal to help tackle digital exclusion as part of its 2022 to 2025 sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan.

It has connected people experiencing digital exclusion with a range of comprehensive programmes and pioneering partnerships that have provided targeted and long-lasting support, helping them to get online and stay in touch with loved ones.

On top of this, the operator has also provided 8.5 million people with digital skills training and online safety advice – exceeding its six million goal.

Game-changing

Together, it means people can access a range of online services with confidence, which play a significant role in transforming lives, such as booking medical appointments, applying for work or taking part in virtual job interviews, accessing training, or finding somewhere safe to stay.

The company’s initiatives have supported a wide range of people across the UK, including families, people living in rural communities, those experiencing homelessness or survivors of domestic abuse.

Virgin Media O2’s steadfast commitment to driving digital inclusion includes:

• Pledging to donate 12,000 refurbished phones to people who need them during 2026, matching its 2025 commitment.
• Offering broadband and mobile social tariffs for people who receive government support payments.
• Expanding 4G mobile services as part of the Shared Rural Network to connect more people in rural areas so they are digitally included.
• Establishing the National Databank 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. Over 500,000 people have been connected through the initiative.
• Making the National Databank the focus of O2 Christmas TV adverts, bringing to life the issue of data poverty and highlighting the support available to help people.
• Its Community Calling programme with environmental charity, Hubbub, which has also rehomed more than 32,000 devices, and the Tech Lending Community scheme, which loaned tablets to people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic abuse.
• Donating hundreds of devices and free O2 mobile data to The Multibank, a one-stop shop for essential non-food items from clothing to furniture and toys, which are being rehomed with people who need them through Multibanks in Fife, Swansea, and Tees Valley.
• Partnering with leading organisations to provide WiFi to disadvantaged groups. This includes UK Youth and nexfibre to connect youth centres with free full fibre broadband. Additionally, its partnership with technology charity, Jangala, will provide 40 portable WiFi hubs to community groups, connecting thousands of people at a time.

These measures have been underpinned by the company helping people across the UK to access digital skills training so they can navigate the online world with confidence. This includes Virgin Media O2’s partnership with Internet Matters to support parents to keep their children safe online, and funding Good Things Foundation’s ‘Learn My Way’ online learning platform which supports people to gain essential digital skills.

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“Over the last five years, Virgin Media O2 has led the way in delivering innovative programmes, partnerships and targeted services that help people experiencing hardship get online.

“We know having access to both the internet and digital skills is a game-changer. It means people experiencing exclusion can access essential services and unlock opportunities that change their lives.

“While we’re proud to have reached our ambitious targets, we know there’s more to do and we remain committed to tackling digital exclusion and connecting even more communities in need across the UK.”

Vicki Sellick MBE, CEO, Good Things Foundation, said:

“This is an incredible milestone and we are immensely proud to be working alongside Virgin Media O2 to tackle digital exclusion. Through our partnership, we are not just connecting people; we are making a real change and helping to fix the digital divide, ensuring hundreds of thousands of people across the UK have the free data, devices, and skills they need to transform their lives by getting online.”

By reaching the milestone, Virgin Media O2 has also delivered on its pledge to support the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which aims to ensure everyone has the skills and access they need to benefit from digital services. 

Minister for the Digital Economy, Liz Lloyd, said:

“This is a powerful example of industry helping to deliver real, positive change for people – opening up new chances in life and employment, and unlocking economic growth opportunities within communities across the country.

“Through the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan and Virgin Media O2’s Better Connections Plan, we’re showing what’s possible when industry and government work in lockstep to close the digital divide. When we pull in the same direction, we can change more lives and ensure everyone has the confidence and connection they need to thrive.”