O2 to give away 12,000 free mobile phones ‘to people who need them’ (Image: Getty)
Virgin Media O2 has pledged to donate 12,000 mobile phones to people who need them, doubling down on its initiative to tackle digital exclusion. Following on from its commitment last year, which also provided around 12,000 refurbished phones to those experiencing financial hardship, this year the operator will again donate devices through its Community Calling programme, in partnership with environmental charity Hubbub, to help people in need get online.
The initiative will rehome phones through a nationwide network of charity partners and community groups, including The Multibank, which Virgin Media O2 began supporting last year. Nicola Green, chief communications and corporate affairs officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We know having access to a phone is a lifeline for people experiencing financial hardship. That’s why Virgin Media O2 is proud to lead the way in providing 12,000 free phones this year to those who need them so they can get online and stay connected to loved ones. »
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The move will help thousands of people access essential online services and stay connected. (Image: Getty)
Ms Green added that the move builds on the provider’s wider measures to « tackle digital exclusion », such as its National Databank, which provides free O2 mobile data, Community Calling, which rehomes phones to those who need them, and social tariffs for people who receive benefits.
This initiative aims to help the vulnerable, such as survivors of domestic abuse, those living in temporary accommodation, families and households in need of connectivity or people experiencing homelessness.
It means they can access essential online services, such as booking medical appointments, finding work, finding a safe place to stay, or staying in touch with loved ones.
Virgin Media O2 sources phones from customer returns and its O2 Recycle service, which allows people from any provider to trade in their old devices for cash.
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Emily Watson, strategic partnerships lead at Hubbub, said: “Since 2020, we’ve been proud to work in partnership with Virgin Media O2 on Community Calling to help support those that are digitally excluded in the UK, whilst also tackling e-waste.
« Together, we’ve now donated more than 30,000 phones, supporting people to stay connected to essential services, loved ones and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.”
Digital Inclusion and Telecoms Minister, Liz Lloyd, said: « Getting access to a device can be a lifeline for those experiencing digital exclusion. That’s why tackling access to the online world is at the heart of our Digital Inclusion Action Plan.
« I welcome Virgin Media O2’s commitment to putting thousands of devices into the hands of people who need them most – this is exactly the kind of partnership that will help us break down barriers to opportunity. »
