We work in partnership with community groups across the UK.
Connectivity is critical to life in today’s world, so we’re taking steps to improve the availability, awareness and affordability of essential connectivity. But no one organisation can solve the digital divide. We’re collaborating with industry, government and civil society experts to identify long term solutions to end digital poverty.
Good Things Foundation
We’ve formed a multi-year partnership and commitment to the digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, so we can help disadvantaged people across the country stay online, stay connected and gain digital literacy. As part of the partnership, we co-founded the National Databank and we support Good Things Foundation’s Digital Inclusion Network and Learn My Way programme.
Time After Time fund
Established in 2022 with environmental charity, Hubbub, our Time After Time fund supports initiatives tackling electronic waste and championing digital inclusion. In 2024, we awarded 8 innovative projects a share of £500,000.
Community Calling
In 2020, we partnered with environmental charity, Hubbub, to rehome second-hand smartphones with digitally isolated people across the country, along with free texts, calls and mobile data. So far we’ve redistributed over 20,000 devices, changing lives and keeping even more tech from becoming e-waste.
The Tech Lending Community Fund
In collaboration with environmental charity, Hubbub, we provided a fund of £400,000 to make tablets and mobile data available to community organisations supporting people in temporary accommodation, including refugees and domestic abuse survivors.
Jangala
In 2023, we formed a multiyear partnership with technology charity, Jangala, to roll out 5000 internet-enabling ‘Get Boxes’ to households, community centres, refuges and homeless shelters across the UK. Get Boxes are powered by O2 mobile data and provide a fast and reliable connection and help those in need access the internet.
We are an active member of the Digital Inclusion All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). Our recent contribution to the Digital Inclusion APPG State of the Nation report called for:
- A new Digital Inclusion Strategy that delivers real leadership for the UK
- A reduction VAT on broadband and mobile social tariffs to at least 5% to align with VAT rate on domestic gas and electricity
- Increased digital literacy and citizenship education in schools to develop the nation’s ability to navigate the internet safely and thrive.
View the Digital Inclusion APPG’s Third State of the Nation Report
