Virgin Media O2 boosts list of data-free services

Virgin Media O2 has today expanded its list of services that can be accessed without eating into mobile data allowances, adding fuel poverty, debt advice and financial support organisations as part of a wide range of measures targeted at those struggling most in the cost-of-living crisis.

Customers of both O2 and Virgin Mobile will be able to access the National Debtline, Business Debtline, Turn2us, Debt Advice Foundation and National Energy Action without using any of their mobile data. They join existing zero-rated websites such as Citizens Advice, Money Advice Service and debt charity, Step Change, all of which provide a range of impartial and trusted advice to individuals struggling with debt or to manage their finances. Virgin Media’s broadband packages already come with no data limits or caps.

As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, new research for Virgin Media O2 reveals that nearly two thirds (64%) of low-income households say they have worried about running out of data in the past 3 months, with half (50%) saying they could not afford to buy more if they ran out. Ofcom estimates that data poverty is an issue for around 2 million households in the UK.

Building on recent commitments it made to ensure customers stay connected and are treated fairly, the operator is stepping up efforts to support families and businesses struggling with their finances due to the current economic climate.

Virgin Media was one of the first telecoms providers to launch a broadband package for those facing financial difficulty and receiving Universal Credit. Launched in November 2020, Essential Broadband costs just £15 a month and offers speeds of 15Mbps. The plan has no fixed-term contract length and no price changes while Universal Credit payments are being received. Other operators have since followed suit and introduced similar social tariffs.

The company also provides a fixed price landline only service which provides inclusive evening and weekend calls and keeps prices fixed for phone-only customers who are over the age of 65 or those who have additional accessibility needs.

Following an industry summit at No 10 Downing Street last month, Virgin Media O2, alongside other providers, also committed to a package of measures to help customers who can no longer afford their bills to stay connected. This includes treating customers struggling with the cost-of-living with compassion, protecting vulnerable customers and offering them ways to stay connected.