Virgin Media O2 donates phones to tackle digital divide

Virgin Media O2 has entered a new partnership with charity initiative The Multibank and has donated hundreds of refurbished smartphones and free O2 mobile data for people in Fife, Swansea and Tees Valley who are experiencing financial hardship.

The mobile operator is distributing the devices and connectivity through its Community Calling programme with environmental charity Hubbub. Multibank hubs in the three regions are rehoming the phones for people identified locally as most in need.

The initiative forms part of Virgin Media O2's pledge to donate up to 12,000 devices during 2025 for people who cannot afford handsets or data. It sits against a wider backdrop of digital exclusion in the UK. Digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation has reported that around 1.6 million adults do not have access to a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

The Multibank model, established by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, acts as a single distribution point for essential non-food goods. It provides items such as clothing, furniture and toys. Connectivity is now included within that offer.

Local targeting

Under the new partnership, Virgin Media O2 is working with Multibank teams and local leaders in each area. Community organisations, schools and health professionals are involved in identifying individuals who lack digital access.

The support focuses on people in vulnerable situations. These include those who have been made redundant, young people leaving the care system, refugees and survivors of domestic abuse.

Recipients can use the smartphones and data for a range of online tasks. These include booking medical appointments, applying for jobs, taking training courses, searching for safe accommodation and maintaining contact with family and friends.

Jakob, a recipient from the Cwtch Mawr Multibank in Swansea, described the impact on daily life.

"When I was in temporary housing, I didn't have a phone or internet, which made things really tough. Now I can use GPS to find my way around, learn more about the area, and I feel a lot safer knowing I can reach out for help if I need it. I really appreciate the support - it's made a big difference."

Nia, who received a new phone from The Junction Multibank in Tees Valley, said the donation restored her access to basic communication.

"My screen was broken on my mobile and I could not see anything. The phone provided to me has helped me to re-engage with the outside world once again and I don't need to worry about having money to top this up."

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said connectivity is now critical for households under financial strain. "We know how important it is to have access to the internet and that's why Virgin Media O2 is proud to join forces with The Multibank to put phones and mobile data into the hands of people who really need it this winter and beyond. It builds on Virgin Media O2's industry-leading measures to drive digital inclusion across the country. Whether it's our National Databank that provides free O2 data, our Community Calling programme that rehomes smartphones, or our broadband and mobile plans for people who receive benefits, we're leading the way in helping people experiencing poverty stay connected," said Green.

Digital divide

Gordon Brown, President of The Multibank, linked the partnership to wider concerns about digital access for low-income families.

"Having access to the internet and at a minimum, a handheld device, is now an essential service as indispensable as electricity, water, and gas. Yet 45% of households with children are below the Minimum Digital Living Standard and are struggling to get access to the connectivity they need to thrive."

"Virgin Media O2's partnership with The Multibank to redistribute refurbished phones to people that need them most will boost digital wellbeing and social inclusion. It's heartwarming to think of the gift of connectivity that will be given to so many families this Christmas and beyond that will now support them in their everyday lives. And I thank Virgin Media O2 for joining our coalition of compassion where we can bring hope where it's needed most," said Brown.

Reuse and inclusion

The smartphones that Virgin Media O2 has donated under the scheme come from its supply chain. The company refurbishes unwanted devices and returns them to use. This extends the life of hardware and reduces electronic waste. It also underpins its digital inclusion activity by offering internet access to people without the means to buy devices or data.

The partnership with The Multibank forms part of Virgin Media O2's broader sustainability strategy, known as the Better Connections Plan. The company has set a goal of connecting one million people who are digitally excluded through free and affordable services.

Alongside Community Calling, Virgin Media O2 runs the National Databank with Good Things Foundation, which offers free O2 mobile data through community organisations and O2 shops. It has also supported a Tech Lending Community scheme that rehomed tablets for people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic abuse, and it offers social tariffs for broadband and mobile services for people receiving government support payments.

The Multibank network has grown to six hubs across the UK and works with more than 100 businesses that donate surplus goods. Its centres operate in Scotland, Greater Manchester, Swansea, London, Tees Valley and the West Midlands. The partnership with Virgin Media O2 embeds phones and connectivity within that existing distribution system and will run alongside The Multibank's ongoing expansion plans.