Virgin Media O2 is giving away free mobile data, calls and texts this Christmas
Virgin Media O2 has expanded its National Databank scheme to all of its UK stores – meaning more people can access free mobile data.
The scheme means those who are experiencing poverty can get a free O2 SIM with 25GB of monthly data for 12 months, along with free texts and calls. O2 says this connectivity will help people access essential websites and manage everyday tasks, such as booking medical appointments, applying for work, and online training.
It will also help them keep in touch with loved ones over the festive period. But you don't need to be an O2 customers in order to access help through a National Databank – it is available to anyone on a low income. Once you've been set up with a SIM, you'll get monthly top-up texts which contain a code that allows you to top-up your SIM.
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It comes as new research reveals around a quarter (26%) of Brits on low incomes are struggling to afford their mobile phone bill, with more than half (51%) 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 62% would miss out on the moments that make Christmas, such as sending festive messages or photos or videos from their Christmas celebrations, if they didn’t have mobile data.
Virgin Media O2 launched the National Databank with Good Things Foundation in 2021 to help more people stay connecting during the cost of living crisis. You can find your nearest National Databank hub and more information about the scheme here.
Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2 said: “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 all its 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.”
Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO at Good Things Foundation, said: “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.”
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