- Virgin Media O2 will rehome up to 1,000 pre-owned devices per month to charities across the UK via its partnerships with Hubbub and Good Things Foundation in 2025.
- It’s part of the company’s commitment to tackle electronic waste (e-waste) and to support digital inclusion by getting pre-owned smartphones and mobile data in the hands of people who need them most.
Virgin Media O2 is committing to donate up to 12,000 smartphones to help people in need get online in 2025.
The company is stepping up its work to address electronic waste (e-waste) and to tackle digital exclusion with its largest-ever device donation programme which will provide around 1,000 pre-owned devices per month to its charity partners, Good Things Foundation and Hubbub.
Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub’s Community Calling programme and Good Things Foundation’s National Device Bank will respectively distribute the refurbished and data-wiped tech to other UK charities and community organisations, which will then rehome the devices with those most in need. Free O2 mobile data will also be available from Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2’s National Databank.
The tech will help those in need access essential services, such as applying for work, booking medical appointments, or building their skills via online training courses, and help them stay connected to loved ones.
Virgin Media O2 is sourcing the smartphones from customer returns and its O2 Recycle service to ensure unwanted devices are given a second life. It’s part of the company’s commitment to support the circular economy by putting unwanted tech back into circulation, and to have a positive and lasting impact on people and the planet.
O2 Recycle is open to anyone – regardless of their mobile operator, and since its launch in 2009, it has recycled more than four million devices and paid out over £350 million to consumers. Last year the initiative processed more than 100,000 devices which were saved from landfill by being resold as refurbished devices to customers, or recycled.
It’s part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, and the company’s goal to connect one million digitally excluded people through free and affordable connectivity and services.
Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2, said:
“We’re kick-starting 2025 with Virgin Media O2’s largest ever device donation programme that’ll help connect even more people in need this year.
“Our work with Good Things Foundation and Hubbub is getting devices into the hands of people who need it most, where they can access essential services like applying for work or carrying out online training, and ensures they can stay in touch with loved ones.
“We’re also helping to tackle e-waste by taking a ‘reuse-first’ approach, where unwanted devices will be put back into circulation and rehomed with someone who needs it.”
Telecoms Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, said:
“This government is committed to delivering the right tools and skills to individuals across the country to ensure no-one, no matter their age or background, is left behind in today’s digital age.
“I am thrilled to see Virgin Media O2 setting an example as to how we can come together as a country and reuse tech that would otherwise be collecting dust to help others.”
Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO, Good Things Foundation, said:
“At Good Things Foundation, we’re proud to partner with Virgin Media O2 on this vital initiative to help tackle digital exclusion. This pledge to donate up to 12,000 refurbished smartphones across the year and to make free mobile data available through the National Databank means people most in need can access essential services, stay connected with loved ones, and gain the digital skills to thrive. Together, we’re making digital inclusion a reality, ensuring everyone can benefit from the digital world. Together, we can fix the digital divide for good.”
Alex Robinson, CEO at Hubbub, said:
“By pledging these devices to Community Calling, Virgin Media O2 will help us connect thousands more people across the UK who face digital exclusion. Now in its fifth year, Community Calling is a lifeline: bridging the digital divide, building stronger communities, and cutting electronic waste by giving second-hand devices a new purpose.
“With Virgin Media O2’s continued support, we can expand this vital scheme to reach even more people in need.”
Tackling digital exclusion
Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in addressing digital exclusion in the UK. The company founded the National Databank with Good Things Foundation and has now rolled out the initiative to all O2 stores nationwide.
In addition, the company’s Community Calling programme with Hubbub has rehomed 20,000 smartphones to people in need. People can donate their unwanted smartphones via here.
Virgin Media O2 also offers broadband and mobile plans for people who receive government support payments, such as Essential Broadband and the O2 Essential plan.
press enquiries
press enquiries