Virgin Media O2 renews partnership with Good Things Foundation

• Virgin Media O2 has renewed its partnership with Good Things Foundation as it marks the fifth anniversary of the pioneering National Databank, which provides free O2 mobile data to people who are in crisis
• Good Things Foundation has become Virgin Media O2’s strategic partner to address data poverty, supporting the operator’s ambition to connect 500,000 low-income households
• The organisations have played a pivotal role in driving digital inclusion across the UK – helping people gain digital skills, access essential online services, and keep in touch with loved ones

More than 550,000 people experiencing financial difficulties have been able to get online over the past five years with free O2 mobile data thanks to the pioneering National Databank, founded by Virgin Media O2 and charity Good Things Foundation.

The milestone coincides with the fifth anniversary of the National Databank, which is like a foodbank for mobile data, providing free O2 data to people who need it, and comes as the organisations renew their partnership to tackle data poverty.

Good Things Foundation has become Virgin Media O2’s strategic partner to address data poverty, supporting the company’s ambition to connect 500,000 low-income households as part of its ESG strategy, the Responsible Business Plan.

It builds on their long-standing work to drive digital inclusion across the UK through initiatives such as the National Databank and digital skills programmes to help people gain confidence when navigating the online world – from learning how to use computers to sending emails and being safe online.

The partnership renewal is part of Virgin Media O2’s long-standing commitment to address digital exclusion. Since 2021, it has connected one million people experiencing financial hardship through initiatives including the National Databank, providing free devices, affordable tariffs for people on low incomes, and expanding its mobile network in rural areas.

Keeping people connected – the impact of the National Databank

Virgin Media O2 is extending its commitment to the National Databank, which launched in 2021.

The award-winning initiative is available at O2 stores nationwide, providing free data, texts and calls to people in crisis, including families experiencing financial hardship, those experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic abuse.

O2 stores, which are at the heart of high streets across the UK, have helped put data into the hands of people who need it most, distributing almost a quarter of all O2 SIM cards provided through the National Databank.

Having access to connectivity is transformational, helping those who need it to access essential services, from booking medical appointments to applying for work, accessing training, finding somewhere safe to stay, and staying in touch with loved ones.

This is alongside Virgin Media O2’s work with Good Things Foundation to expand the National Databank to thousands of locations across the UK, including community centres and libraries, which have also provided O2 SIMs and data.

The scheme has also brought together other mobile operators, which have provided SIMs and data, helping more people affected by the cost-of-living crisis get online, and demonstrates its broader impact across the telecoms sector.

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in driving digital inclusion across the UK and, by renewing our partnership with Good Things Foundation, we’re doubling down on our commitment to help even more low-income households get online, which remains a priority for us in the cost-of-living crisis.

“At the heart of our work is the National Databank, which over the past five years has been a game-changer, providing free O2 mobile data to people who need it when they’re in crisis – giving them access to essential services and helping them stay in touch with loved ones.

“We’re proud of what we’ve delivered with Good Things Foundation, and we’ll build on our work to help tackle data poverty so we can connect more communities in need nationwide.”

Vicki Sellick MBE, Chief Executive Officer at Good Things Foundation, said:

“Over the past five years, our strategic partnership with Virgin Media O2 has provided a lifeline to people facing hardship. The free SIM cards and data packages we distribute through our network of 5,000+ community settings allow those in acute need to get online and book medical appointments, apply for work, and stay connected with loved ones.

“We are proud of what we have achieved together through the National Databank to date, and delighted that today we are renewing the partnership between Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation to continue this work so that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the connectivity and confidence required to participate fully in society.”