Virgin Media O2 renews partnership to tackle data poverty
Tue, 18th Aug 2026 (Today)
Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation have renewed their partnership to tackle data poverty as the National Databank marks five years in operation.
More than 550,000 people facing financial hardship have received free O2 mobile data through the scheme, which was set up to help people in crisis get online.
The renewed agreement also makes Good Things Foundation Virgin Media O2's strategic partner on data poverty as the telecoms group works towards a target of connecting 500,000 low-income households.
The National Databank has become a central part of Virgin Media O2's wider digital inclusion work. Since 2021, it has connected one million people experiencing financial hardship through measures including free mobile data, device support, lower-cost tariffs for people on low incomes and efforts to widen network coverage in rural areas.
National reach
The National Databank distributes free data, texts and calls to people in need, including families under financial strain, people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic abuse.
Access is available through O2 stores and community settings such as libraries and local centres across the UK. Virgin Media O2 stores have supplied almost one in four O2 SIM cards issued through the programme.
Good Things Foundation's wider network now covers more than 5,000 community settings. That local reach has helped the scheme move beyond retail locations into places where people already seek practical support.
The programme has also drawn in other mobile operators, which have provided SIM cards and mobile data through the wider National Databank framework. That broader industry involvement has helped expand support during the cost-of-living squeeze.
Access to services
The data is intended to cover basic but essential online access. Recipients have used the support to book medical appointments, apply for jobs, undertake training, find accommodation and stay in touch with relatives and friends.
The partnership also sits alongside digital skills work aimed at people with limited confidence online. Those programmes include support with basic computer use, email and online safety, reflecting the view among charities and telecoms companies that access alone does not remove digital exclusion.
Data poverty has become a sharper issue in recent years as public services, job applications and day-to-day communication have moved further online. For households on tight budgets, mobile data can be one of the first costs to come under pressure, even when internet access is needed for healthcare, work and support services.
Virgin Media O2 has framed the renewed partnership as part of a broader social commitment tied to its business strategy. The company, one of the UK's largest telecoms providers, has around 46 million mobile connections and 5.8 million fixed-line customers.
Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said the renewal would help extend that work.
"Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in driving digital inclusion across the UK and, by renewing our partnership with Good Things Foundation, we're doubling down on our commitment to help even more low-income households get online, which remains a priority for us in the cost-of-living crisis. At the heart of our work is the National Databank, which over the past five years has been a game-changer, providing free O2 mobile data to people who need it when they're in crisis - giving them access to essential services and helping them stay in touch with loved ones. We're proud of what we've delivered with Good Things Foundation, and we'll build on our work to help tackle data poverty so we can connect more communities in need nationwide," Green said.
Good Things Foundation said the partnership has given practical help to people who would otherwise struggle to maintain a basic digital connection.
"Over the past five years, our strategic partnership with Virgin Media O2 has provided a lifeline to people facing hardship. The free SIM cards and data packages we distribute through our network of 5,000+ community settings allow those in acute need to get online and book medical appointments, apply for work, and stay connected with loved ones. We are proud of what we have achieved together through the National Databank to date, and delighted that today we are renewing the partnership between Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation to continue this work so that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the connectivity and confidence required to participate fully in society," said Vicki Sellick MBE, Chief Executive Officer at Good Things Foundation.