Devices will be distributed through the Good Things Foundation’s National Device Bank which provides refurbished laptops, mobile phones and tablets through the National Digital Inclusion Network set up in 2011 to tackle the digital divide at a local level

Reconome will be the charity’s exclusive technology partner and provide a long-term supply of refurbished devices.

The partnership builds on a pilot programme launched three years ago and is intended to move away from one-off device donations towards a sustained reuse model.

Around 7.9 million people in the UK lack basic digital skills,while 1.6 million adults do not have access to a smartphone, tablet or laptop according to Good Things Foundation’s Digital Nation 2025 data, Lack of access to devices is cited as a barrier to education, employment, healthcare and public services.

Reconome sources used IT equipment from corporate partners, which is then refurbished and redistributed through the National Device Bank to community organisations supporting people who are digitally excluded.

The Good Things Foundation has expanded its network of National Digital Inclusion Hubs to 667 locations since April 2022,  During this time it has distributed 28,992 devices, with a further 33,112 people benefiting from shared access within households or communities.

Nick Rawkins, co-founder and chief executive of Reconome, said the agreement would enable refurbished technology to be distributed at greater scale while reducing electronic waste.

Helen Milner OBE, chief executive of the Good Things Foundation, said the partnership would provide a more consistent supply of devices to support people who lack access to digital technology.

The initiative aligns with the UK Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which identifies access to devices as a key requirement for participation in an increasingly digital economy.

The organisations said the partnership would continue to support national efforts to reduce digital exclusion over the next three years.

The 30-day rolling contract, called the O2 Essential Plan, is available to new and existing customers who receive Income-based Employment Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit. EU roaming is included at no extra cost.

Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting people facing financial difficulties. “The launch of the O2 Essential Plan builds on our existing support for people experiencing financial difficulties,” he said.

Virgin Media O2 aims to connect a million people through affordable connectivity and services.

The company also offers the Essential Broadband and Essential Broadband Plus plans for those on benefits. Its National Databank, launched in partnership with the Good Things Foundation, provides free O2 mobile data, texts, and calls, with 25GB of data available monthly for up to 12 months.

Vodafone launched a similar scheme a year ago promoting its social tariffs to anyone on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, as well as those on Employment and Support Allowance, Reduced Earnings Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or Pension Credit.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/10-virgin-media-o2-plan-benefits-low-income-customers/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/virgin-media-o2-increases-support-low-income-groups-urges-government-reduce-social-tariff-vat/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/virgin-media-o2-increases-support-low-income-groups-urges-government-reduce-social-tariff-vat/#respond Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:27:36 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/virgin-media-o2-increases-support-low-income-groups-urges-government-reduce-social-tariff-vat/ Virgin Media O2 is designating 1,600 stores as National Digital Inclusion Hubs which will offer 25GB of free O2 data to low-income households.

Virgin Media O2 is designating 1,600 stores as National Digital Inclusion Hubs which will offer 25GB of free O2 data to low-income households.

Aound 1,600 stores will have access to the National Databank’s services, including free O2 data, texts, and calls.  The National Databank is run by the Good Things Foundation. which lobbies for digital inclusion.

Virgin Media O2 is lobbying the government to update its Digital Inclusion Strategy and reduce VAT on social tariffs from 20 per cent to five percent. Any VAT reduction will be refunded directly to consumers.

The network is also working with the public sector to increase awareness of available support, especially among hard-to-reach groups and will introduce a mobile social tariff to inform low-income households about available assistance with their connectivity needs.

More than five million Virgin Media broadband, TV, and landline customers will be send information with their monthly bills about the network’s social tariffs Essential Broadband and Essential Broadband Plus, the for individuals receiving certain benefits.

Virgin Media O2 is working with local authorities such as Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Slough Borough Council, Bradford Council, and Telford and Wrekin Council to leverage local knowledge and community channels to increase awareness about social tariffs.

“We’re boosting our awareness efforts to spread the word about the support measures we’ve put in place. Whether through monthly bill information or collaborations with local authorities, millions will be reminded about our Essential Broadband packages, catering to those facing financial difficulty.” Rob Orr, said Virgin Media O2, Chief Operations Officer Rob Orr.

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Virgin Media O2 has announced it will support all Big Issue vendors with free O2 SIMs and data vouchers this Christmas.

In 2021, O2 gave over 200 Big Issue vendors free data plans in order for them to accept contactless payments.

In the UK, 90pc of in-person transactions are via contactless, and vendors who use contactless make 30pc more than those who do not.

This year, the company will offer monthly data to the magazine’s entire network of vendors. This follows reports that 18.7 million people are said to be digitally excluded through the cost of living crisis.

Russell Blackman, Managing Director at The Big Issue, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our invaluable work with Virgin Media O2, following its successful launch last year of the National Databank. 

“By extending this opportunity out to all Big Issue vendors, it will enable and empower them to boost their sales through cashless payments at this vital time of year, as well as being able to access essential online services.”

Gareth Turpin, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2 added: “This year we wanted our Christmas campaign to not only help raise awareness of the support available via the National Databank, but to get data into the hands of those facing an unconnected Christmas.

“As part of this, we’re proud to be partnering with the Big Issue for the second year in a row to offer all vendors access to free mobile data each month. We know from the success of last year that this connectivity is crucial to facilitating mobile payments in an increasingly cashless society, as well as helping vendors to stay connected to loved ones and get access to key services.”

A recent research by Virgin Media O2, revealed that over five million Brits are unable to wrap their heads around simple online tasks like sending an email or using the internet, thus costing UK workers £5.69 billion and the economy £12.8 billion, due to lack of digital skills.

The research showed that a quarter of those in the lowest income pay bracket (less than £12,570 p/a) believe their skills would not be sufficient to secure them a similar paid role if they were laid off.

Similarly, 21 per cent of Brits say they need digital skills to get a higher paying job and nearly 31pc feel they have missed a promotion or pay rise because of their lack of digital skills.

Additionally, 44pc of respondents say the ability to care for their mental health and personal wellness is negatively impacted by their lack of digital abilities, such as being unable to schedule online medical appointments or submit benefit applications.

Nearly a third of Brits (32pc) say they need digital skills so they can find best deals online to save money, amidst the rising concern over the cost of living.

Get Online Week

In response to this research, Virgin Media O2 and digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, have organised ‘Get Online Week‘, (17-23 October) a week long event to help people improve their digital skills.

The sessions will teach basic skills like how to use the internet to carry out essential tasks such as emailing, accessing online services including booking medical appointments, managing their money online, applying for jobs and many more.

Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2 said: “With the cost- of-living crisis deepening and Brits facing rising bills, it’s more important than ever that people can gain vital digital skills, so they can apply for better paid jobs and increase their incomes, while boosting the UK’s economy by almost £13 billion.”

Three has developed its Reconnected programme with new partnerships to support Ukrainian refugees displaced due to war, unemployment and social mobility.

Reconnected will allow customers to donate their old phones which Three, in partnership with Genuine Solutions, repackages with unlimited data, texts and calls for six months.

These devices will go to Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK, and those seeking employment, disadvantaged students and other vulnerable groups facing digital exclusion can also benefit for this scheme.

The programme focuses on three parents who can help tackle key issues of society today: Good Things Foundation, Business in the Community, and LetsLocalise.

Three chief commercial officer Elaine Carey said: “So many of us take our phones and our connectivity for granted. We must remember that there are more than a million households in the UK that do not have this luxury. 

“Our Reconnected programme is all about ensuring disadvantaged people can get connected quickly and easily.” 

Genuine Solutions director Gurjit Dhillon added: “We’re encouraging people not only to donate their old ones when they upgrade, but to dig out smartphones hidden away in drawers and ensure they are either donated to one of our key charities – or refurbished or recycled. 

“This way we can ensure your phone either goes to someone in critical need of it, can be given a new lease of life, or be sustainably recycled.” 

Vodafone has announced that it will begin retirement of its 3G network in 2023 as part of a strategy for more of the UK to access reliable connectivity.

After 17 years in operation, 3G coverage will be phased out and 4G and 5G services will be improved for customers.

Vodafone will also lead a year-long campaign with charities such as Good Things Foundation and third-party groups to reach vulnerable customers and keep connected.

Vodafone CEO Ahmed Essam said: “We’re going to be focused on giving customers a faster and more reliable mobile experience, and minimising our impact on the environment by taking away a layer of our network that uses inefficient equipment.

“During the campaign, we’ll be asking customers not just to make sure that their own phone supports 4G and 4G Calling, but also to check in on friends and family. 

“There are people who aren’t confident with technology, and we want to ensure everyone is getting the help that they need, so that no one is left behind.”

Good Things Foundation group chief executive Helen Milner OBE added: “Access to a digital connection is vital, especially for the most vulnerable people in our society. 

“With the move away from 3G, people risk being disconnected, locked out and left behind. 

“That’s why we’re so pleased to be working with Vodafone to ensure as many people as possible continue to have the essential digital access they need.”

Working towards Net Zero

Retiring Vodafone’s 3G network is integral to reach Net Zero by 2027 as 5G networks are over 10 times more energy efficient as 3G equipment.

NTT DATA UK vice president head of network and B2B business Sharad Sharma said: “Not only do 4G and 5G enable Vodafone to provide faster and more reliable services for its customers, but the greater efficiency of these technologies also supports Vodafone in its strategy to reach net zero carbon emissions across its UK operations by 2027.

“More efficient network services are crucial for a more sustainable future, but it’s vital that customers with legacy technology are not left behind. 

“Clear communication about the retirement of these services is necessary to ensure everyone can be part of the shift to 4G and 5G.”

O2 has partnered up with The Big Issue which will see over 200 magazine vendors stay connected as part of a new National Databank Initiative.

The partnership helps Big Issue vendors become cashless, access online services and reconnect with families as O2 plans to donate free data plans including 7GB data, free sim and unlimited calls and texts.

The National Databank initiative was launched by O2 and Good Things Foundation which aims to tackle data poverty.

The scheme provides free data for people in need and supports O2’s pledge to get over 255,000 people living in poverty connected by the end of 2023.

For every plan the network sells this Christmas, O2 will donate 10GB of free data to the Databank for someone who needs it.

Virgin Media O2 marketing director Simon Valcarcel said: “Data poverty affects many millions of people in the UK, so we set up the National Databank with the help of Good Things Foundation to help those most in need stay connected.”

The Big Issue commercial MD Russell Blackman added: “Not only does it mean our vendors will be able to boost their sales, but it also means they will be able to stay connected to their loved ones this Christmas.

“Whilst in 2019 we started to help ensure our vendors were connected, there are still many who need access. The partnership will ensure more of our vendors are no longer left behind.”