Virgin Media O2 pledges to donate thousands of devices to National Device Bank

Donating devices to the National Device Bank

Our strategic partner, Virgin Media O2 has pledged to donate up to 12,000 smartphones to help people in need get online in 2025.

It will rehome around 1,000 pre-owned devices per month to its charity partners, Good Things Foundation and Hubbub.

Good Things' National Device Bank and Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub's Community Calling programme will distribute the refurbished and data-wiped tech.

Other UK charities and community organisations will then rehome the devices with those most in need.

Free O2 mobile data will also be available from the National Databank, which was set up by Good Things and Virgin Media O2 in 2021.

Addressing e-waste and tackling digital exclusion

The pledge is part of the company’s commitment to tackle e-waste and to support digital inclusion by getting pre-owned smartphones and mobile data in the hands of people who need them most.

The tech will help those in need access essential services, such as applying for work, booking medical appointments, or building their skills via online training courses, and helped them stay connected with loved ones.

"At Good Things Foundation, we’re proud to partner with Virgin Media O2 on this vital initiative to help tackle digital exclusion.

 

"This pledge to donate up to 12,000 refurbished smartphones across the year and to make free mobile data available through the National Databank means people most in need can access essential services, stay connected with loved ones, and gain the digital skills to thrive.

 

"Together, we’re making digital inclusion a reality, ensuring everyone can benefit from the digital world. Together, we can fix the digital divide for good."

 

Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO, Good Things Foundation

Supporting the circular economy

Virgin Media O2 is sourcing the smartphones from customer returns and its O2 Recycle service to ensure unwanted devices are given a second life.

It is part of the company’s commitment to support the circular economy by putting unwanted tech back into circulation, and to have a positive and lasting impact on people and the planet.

"We’re kick-starting 2025 with Virgin Media O2’s largest ever device donation programme that’ll help connect even more people in need this year.

 

"Our work with Good Things Foundation and Hubbub is getting devices into the hands of people who need it most, where they can access essential services like applying for work or carrying out online training, and ensures they can stay in touch with loved ones.

"We’re also helping to tackle e-waste by taking a ‘reuse-first’ approach, where unwanted devices will be put back into circulation and rehomed with someone who needs it."

 

Nicola Green, Virgin Media O2

In addition, it is part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, and the company’s goal to connect one million digitally excluded people through free and affordable connectivity and services.

Addressing digital exclusion in the UK

All O2 stores nationwide are now part of the National Databank. 

Virgin Media O2 also offers broadband and mobile plans for people who receive government support payments, such as Essential Broadband and the O2 Essential plan.