Through its charity partners – the Good Things Foundation and Hubbub – the mobile operator will donate up to 1,000 pre-owned devices a 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.
Free data will also be provided the National Device Bank scheme.
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.”
The smartphones will be sourced from customer returns through the O2 Recycle scheme which is open to anyone regardless of their mobile operator. Last year more than 100,000 devices were handed in.
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.”
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