Virgin Media O2 Has Provided 550,000 UK People with Free Mobile Data SIMs
Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has revealed that their partnership with the digital inclusion charity, the Good Things Foundation, has so far helped to provide more than 550,000 UK people – those experiencing financial difficulties – with free mobile broadband data, calls and texts via SIMs supplied through the National Databank.
In practical terms, the operator typically offers 25GB of free mobile data per month (this supports rollover) to eligible users via the National Databank, which is in addition to 50 international minutes to 42 countries, unlimited UK minutes and unlimited texts.
Once a SIM card is issued by the databank, the user will receive monthly texts on the activation anniversary date for up to 12 months with voucher codes for the next month of service / allowances.
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Eligible recipients must be over 18+ years old, from a low-income household and be unable to access or afford internet connectivity (either while at home or away). The good news for such people is that Virgin Media and O2 have just renewed their partnership.
Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at VMO2, 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.”
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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If they’re so bothered about people in financial difficulties, maybe avoid creating so many among their own customers by racking up price rises every chance they get?
Exactly, their flat £2.50 per month, annual increase per line is disproportionately unfair on those with cheaper plans. This company is the pits and deserves to fail, it’s going to be fun when they switch off 2g.
So that’s why there’s such an awful contention ratio.. As usual if you work hard and earn a decent wage, you’re taken advantage of.
Yeah. My wife cancelled her plan over them giving these to illegal immigrants. Because that exactly who they handed them out to.
Did Nigel’s crew tell you that or do you have evidence to support your claim?
Vodafone and Tesco Mobile also do the same thing
I wonder how long it will be until these appear on eBay? There are usually loads of people selling the 6 month charity Vodafone SIM cards there.