Virgin Media O2 is transforming an additional 70 O2 stores into National Databank Hubs, ensuring all O2 stores across the UK now provide free mobile data to people experiencing poverty. This initiative offers individuals 25GB of free O2 data per month for up to 12 months, helping them stay connected to essential services and loved ones.
The newly expanded network of over 300 O2 stores will distribute free O2 SIMs with data, texts, and calls, regardless of mobile operator, as part of the National Digital Inclusion Network. These efforts aim to combat data poverty by enabling access to vital online services such as booking medical appointments, applying for work, and online training, while fostering social connections over the festive period and beyond.
Launched in partnership with the Good Things Foundation in 2021, the National Databank has now connected more than 200,000 people nationwide through around 3,000 hubs. Virgin Media O2’s broader support measures include social tariffs like Essential Broadband and the O2 Essential plan, aimed at helping those receiving government support payments stay connected.
Nicola Green, Virgin Media O2
We know that people experiencing poverty are having to make difficult choices around how they spend their money – but affording mobile data shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why Virgin Media O2 has rolled out the National Databank to all its O2 stores nationwide, offering free O2 mobile data to connect people in need, so they can get online and stay in touch with their loved ones this Christmas and beyond.
Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO, Good Things Foundation
I’m delighted to see the National Databank grow even larger, with a further 70 O2 stores across the UK now becoming National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs. Virgin Media O2’s work to help reduce digital exclusion now allows the Databank to extend its impact to even more people and is a lifeline to those struggling to access the internet this Christmas. This means more people in need can access essential services and connect with loved ones. This work underpins Good Things Foundation’s ambition to help one million people benefit from the digital world by 2025. Together we can fix the digital divide for good.