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.”

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.”