All four O2-owned stores in Leeds will become National Digital Inclusion Hubs – offering free O2 data, texts and calls via the National Databank to people who need it this Christmas.
Virgin Media O2 is helping more people in need across Leeds access free mobile data this Christmas by rolling out the National Databank to all four O2-owned stores in the area, alongside increasing the amount of data available to help those who need it to get online and stay connected to loved ones. The National Databank will now be available at more than 72 locations in Leeds. Virgin Media O2 also increases the amount of free O2 data available to 25GB per month – enough for around 275 hours of internet browsing per month.
O2-owned stores across Leeds will provide free O2 data, plus texts and calls to anyone experiencing data poverty – regardless of their mobile provider. It is part of a wider commitment where all O2-owned stores across the UK are becoming National Databanks Digital Inclusion Hubs, too. 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.
Data for people experiencing homelessness. In addition, Virgin Media O2 has further boosted the amount of free O2 data available via all National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs in Leeds to 25GB per month for six months – which is enough for around 275 hours of internet browsing per month.
Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer at Virgin Media O2 said:
“To help people most affected by the cost-of-living crisis across Leeds, we’re opening the doors to more National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs than ever before and making it easier for people to get connected. With all O2-owned stores becoming Databanks, and Virgin Media O2 boosting free O2 mobile data to 25GB per month, there are more places for people in need across Leeds to get help so they can get online, access essential services, and keep in touch with loved ones this Christmas and beyond.”
Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis said:
“Being able to use the internet to access services, or call a friend or family member, is such a vital part of everyday life. Yet many people facing homelessness often don’t have the ability to do so and without that connection, it can add to feelings of isolation and anxiety.
“We’re so pleased to be partnering with Virgin Media O2 to provide vital data and devices to the people we support. This connection will play an important part in helping people to discover a life beyond homelessness, being able to access support from Crisis over the phone and ultimately find somewhere safe and secure to live.”
Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO at Good Things Foundation said:
“I’m thrilled to see the National Databank grow even larger, with four O2 stores across Leeds becoming National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs, bringing the total number of databanks in Leeds to 72. Virgin Media O2’s dedication to fixing the digital divide allows the Databank to extend its impact to even more people and is a lifeline to those struggling to access the internet this Christmas.
“With the cost-of-living crisis raging on, increasing the amount of data on offer to 25GB will mean more people in need can access essential services and connect with loved ones. This work underpins Good Things Foundation’s ambition to help 1 million people benefit from the digital world by 2025. Together we can fix the digital divide.”
