- Innovative scheme brings free connectivity to residents living in housing plus schemes across Newcastle
- Installed by Virgin Media O2 engineers, working in partnership with charity Jangala and Newcastle City Council, free connectivity has been installed at 30 locations to provide residents with access to vital online resources and support
- Virgin Media O2 engineers were able to install the services via the company’s Take FIVE volunteering scheme
Newcastle, 17 July 2025 – More than 1,000 residents living in housing plus schemes in Newcastle are now benefiting from free internet access thanks to an innovative partnership between Virgin Media O2, Jangala and Newcastle City Council.
Virgin Media O2 engineers volunteered to install 30 Jangala GetBoxes – portable Wi-Fi devices with pre-installed O2 SIM cards – in communal areas across Newcastle City Council’s Housing Plus schemes. The connectivity is helping residents get online to access essential services, stay connected with loved ones, and build digital skills through council-run courses.
The initiative supports Newcastle City Council’s ‘Get Online Newcastle’ programme, which offers free classes and resources to help residents develop basic computer literacy, access vital online tools like email and banking, and learn how to stay safe online.
After meeting with the team that delivered the initiative, Dame Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, commented: “As the MP for Newcastle Central and West, I’m proud to represent a city that has long championed innovation and fairness, and I’m incredibly proud to see Newcastle leading the way in digital inclusion. This partnership is more than a technical solution – it’s a statement of values. It shows that we believe everyone, regardless of income or background, deserves the tools to thrive in a digital world.
“Connectivity is not just about cables and routers – it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that my constituents can access the services, opportunities and communities that many take for granted. I commend all the partners involved for their commitment to bridging the digital divide and making Newcastle a more inclusive, connected city.”
Cllr Paul Frew, Cabinet Member for Resources and Performance, Newcastle City Council said: “This is a brilliant partnership between the council’s Get Online Newcastle team, Virgin Media O2 and Jangala to put these Get Boxes into our Housing Plus schemes.
“We know how important it is for our residents to be able to get online to keep in touch with family and friends around the world as well as accessing vital services. These boxes will not only help residents but also vital community groups who use these schemes as a base as well, such as local food banks.
“Digital inclusion is so important as not only does it help these residents learn new skills but also boosts their mental health and is bringing them together socially.
“We are delighted with all the work that has gone into this and hope the residents enjoy their time online.”
Richard Thanki, Managing Director, Jangala said: “Jangala is really happy to be working with Newcastle City Council to bring internet access to over 1,000 people living in assisted housing. Without Wi-Fi people can be locked out of essential services, communication with family and friends, and learning and leisure. Our Get Box devices bring connectivity to excluded people in a way that’s rapid, easy-to-use and remotely supportable.”
The installation was carried out by Virgin Media O2 engineers through the company’s Take FIVE volunteering scheme, which gives employees five paid volunteering days per year to support community initiatives.
With around 16,000 employees working for the company nationwide, Virgin Media O2 staff are supporting charities, community groups, and schools across the UK.
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, added: “Digital inclusion is more important than ever, and we’re proud to play our part in helping Newcastle residents get online.
“Through partnerships like this, and initiatives like Take FIVE and our Essential Services, we’re helping to bridge the digital divide and empower communities with the tools they need to thrive.”
Residents also received information about Virgin Media O2’s Essential Services, which provide affordable connectivity for people receiving government benefits. These include:
- Essential Broadband – 15Mbps for £12.50/month
- Essential Broadband Plus – 54Mbps for £20/month
- O2 Essentials Mobile Plan – 10GB data plus unlimited calls and texts for £10/month
All plans can be taken as 30-day rolling contacts, have no activation or exit fees, and no price changes while customers receive benefits payments.
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