Virgin Media O2 is helping more people in need access free mobile data this Christmas, by piloting the National Databank in 10 O2 stores across the UK.
The National Databank, founded by Virgin Media O2 and digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, is like a foodbank but for free mobile data, texts and calls. Virgin Media O2 has committed more than 61 million GB of free O2 data to the initiative by the end of 2025.
Now, people can access the National Databank directly on the High Street via O2 stores and get 20GB of free O2 data per month for up to six months β thatβs enough for around 220 hours of internet use each month. This will help people to access vital services and stay in touch with loved ones at a time when it matters most.
If youβre not online you canβt save money on products and services, help your children to participate in home-learning, and apply for jobs.
βWith two million households struggling to afford internet access in the UK today β and 10 million adults lacking the most basic digital skills, everyone needs to do even more to build a movement for digital inclusion that leaves no-one behind.β
Those eligible for the help can pop into one of the participating stores and ask an employee, who has been trained to use the National Databankβs platform, for a 20GB data voucher. The National Databank can also be accessed via a network of more than 650 participating community partners nationwide.
Special βO2 Christmas SIM cardsβ are available in O2 stores nationwide and online while stocks last, with 7GB of free O2 data. The O2 Christmas SIM Card can also be gifted to anyone who needs it, and they can get a free O2 SIM card too if required, to ensure they can use the data and get online.
Gareth Turpin, chief commercial officer at Virgin Media O2, said: βWeβre stepping up our support during the cost-of-living crisis to help even more people stay connected this Christmas.
βItβs now going to be easier than ever for those in need to access the National Databank directly on the High Street via our O2 stores, so they can get online and connect to essential services β from medical appointments to applying for jobs.
βAnd with our additional 1 million GB of free data available via special Christmas SIM Cards, Virgin Media O2 is helping more people get the data they need, so they can stay in touch with loved ones over the festive period.β
These measures build on Virgin Media O2βs Β£2 million strategic partnership with Good Things Foundation to help disadvantaged people across the UK get online and gain vital digital skills.
Itβs all part of Virgin Media O2βs new sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, which aims to create a better, more connected, and greener world for everyone.
Great freebie. As this provides free data during the Christmas period. Thanks for sharing.
I love this. It is a fantastic offer. well done them for stepping up and offering people this freebie i hope someone in need benefits x
pinkyperky Yes I agree!! Let's hope Virgin and 02 sets a trend here, although I won't hold my breath, but these brands must make sooo much money out of us all, it would be good if they gave something back sometimes! x
JoTarpley i checked it out and tried to get one for a lady i know for her child but they were all out of stock for delivery hopefully will be back soon x
pinkyperky I would think they have been absolutely inundated, even from people just trying it on, so fingers crossed! Enjoy your Sunday! x
JoTarpley Oh you are totally correct i can just imagine the frenzie when this was launched. Never mind it may come back soon im keeping my eyes and ears open thanks again take care x
This is such a great offer so much is done online these days to access help for all sorts of things and as so much monthly data and use age is unused plus these companies make such huge profits it is a fabulous way of giving back to customers xx
What a fantastic gesture by O2 and Virgin. I'm sure it will be incredibly helpful for those in need.
If anyone is having trouble finding these free sim cards for those who are in need of one I read that you can pick one up from your local library HOPE THIS INFORMATION HELPS
JacquelineCoop Thanks very much for adding that Jacqueline, that might suit some people better anyway, I really appreciate you taking the time to add that to the posting, have a nice weekend! x
Really appreciate it might be very useful for people whoever needs it but honestly I lives in Redditch one of the worst network I moved on this is my 3rd month I'm already crying when this contract will over I'll recommend EE or Vodafone they're the best..
Absolutely Fantastic idea it could help someone whoβs left home and found themselves on the streets to maybe even phone their family at Christmas and let them know they ok or even sort things out so they can go home if it helps one person then itβs brilliant idea
Thx Jo :-) what a good idea this is , my neighbour has Vodafone so will tell them .
Hope you are OK ?
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