Virgin Media O2 increases the National Databank initiative

Virgin Media O2 is helping more people in need access free mobile data this Christmas by rolling out the National Databank to all O2-owned stores and two major homelessness charities nationwide, alongside increasing the amount of data available to help those who need it get online and stay connected to loved ones.

The National Databank, created by Virgin Media O2 and the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, is like a foodbank for data, providing free O2 mobile data, texts and calls.  Virgin Media O2 has committed more than 61 million GB of O2 data to the initiative by the end of 2025.

From 7 December, more than 240 O2 stores across the UK will start to become National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs, providing free O2 data to anyone experiencing data poverty – regardless of their mobile provider. This follows a successful pilot of the National Databank in 10 O2 stores last Christmas.

Bleak Christmas

It comes as new research reveals that almost two thirds (64%) of Brits think this winter and Christmas will be tougher financially than last year, and more than half (52%) say they are uncertain or worried about their finances over the next 12 months.

In addition, more than 8 in 10 people on household incomes less than £17,000 are considering going without mobile data to help them afford other bills.

Data and devices for people experiencing homelessness

In response, Virgin Media O2 has further boosted the amount of free O2 data available via all National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs to 25GB per month for six months – which is enough for around 275 hours of internet browsing per month.

Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation are also supporting people experiencing, and at risk of, homelessness this winter and beyond by expanding the National Databank to charities, Crisis and Change Please – Driving for Change.

As well as offering free O2 data, texts and calls via the National Databank, both charities will provide free second-hand smartphones to their guests from the Community Calling programme – run by Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity, Hubbub.

With free smartphones and data, people experiencing homelessness can access essential services – such as finding a place to stay, locating food banks, accessing online medical help and contacting loved ones.

Crisis will offer the scheme via its nine Skylight Centres across Great Britian – with all centres also being offered free WiFi from Virgin Media O2. Change Please will take the National Databank on the road via its Driving for Change buses which stop in deprived communities across London and provide hygiene and dental care.

With O2 stores, Crisis and Change Please – Driving for Change becoming National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs, the National Databank will be available at more than 1,600 locations across the UK. People can find their nearest Hub here.