Virgin Media O2 has announced it will donate up to 12,000 smartphones to help people in need get online in 2025.
The company said this is its largest-ever device donation programme and will tackle digital exclusion as well as addressing electronic waste (e-waste). Around 1,000 pre-owned devices will be provided to its charity partners, Good Things Foundation and Hubbub, each month.
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.
Nicola Green, corporate affairs officer, 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.”
Helen Milner, 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.”
Alex Robinson, CEO, Hubbub, added, “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.”