More O2 stores join National Databank to provide free mobile data to those in need

Extra O2 stores become National Databank Hubs

An extra 70 O2 stores across the UK have become National Databank Hubs to help people experiencing data poverty get online and stay connected this Christmas and beyond.

It means more than 300 O2 stores are now National Databank Hubs and part of the National Digital Inclusion Network. 

Our strategic partner Virgin Media O2 has rolled out the initiative to all O2 stores nationwide, which are now providing free O2 mobile data, texts and calls to people who need it - regardless of their mobile operator. 

The free O2 SIM has 25GB of monthly data for 12 months - enough for around 275 hours of internet browsing per month. 

It will support people experiencing data poverty to access essential websites and manage everyday tasks, such as booking medical appointments, applying for work, and online training and means they can keep in touch with their loved ones over the festive period and beyond.  

New research reveals struggles with affordability

It comes as new research reveals almost a quarter of Brits on low incomes (those with a household income of less than £15,000) are struggling to afford their mobile phone bill.

More than half (52%) saying they’d feel lonely if they couldn’t access the internet or mobile data at home.

Meanwhile nearly eight in 10 (78%) say they’d feel alone or isolated if they didn’t have mobile data over the Christmas period and couldn’t connect with their family or friends.

In addition, a further 60% would miss out the moments that make Christmas, such as sending festive messages or photos or video from their Christmas celebrations, if they didn’t have mobile data.

Putting the spotlight on data poverty

To highlight the issue of data poverty in the UK, Virgin Media O2 working with Good Things Foundation has created an eye catching and thought-provoking art installation on London's South Bank, raising awareness of the 1.9 million UK households unable to get online*.

‘Data Darkness’ is made up of 100 miniature homes – where the majority are lit up, while others are dimmed to near darkness, to highlight the UK households which will be disconnected this Christmas.

It aims to encourage people in need, or those who know someone affected by data poverty, to get free O2 data from an O2 store.

The campaign is being backed by actor Will Mellor, who unveiled the ‘Data Darkness’ installation.

Helping to reduce digital exclusion

"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 1 million people benefit from the digital world by 2025. Together we can fix the digital divide for good."

 

Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO at Good Things Foundation

Good Things launched the National Databank – which is like a food bank but for mobile data - with Virgin Media O2, in 2021.

"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 more than 300 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."

 

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

There are now around 3,000 National Databanks Hubs across the country, with the initiative connecting more than 200,000 people nationwide.

*According to Ofcom, there are 1.9 million UK households with a mobile phone that it find it difficult to afford their service.