Virgin Media O2 says it has helped one million digitally excluded people get online, meeting a five-year target under its Better Connections Plan.

The telecoms group says it reached the milestone through a mix of free mobile data, donated devices and wider network access in rural areas. It also says 8.5 million people have received digital skills training and online safety support, exceeding its original target of six million.

Access to digital services has become increasingly important for routine tasks such as booking medical appointments, applying for jobs and taking part in remote interviews. Virgin Media O2 says its programmes have supported families, people in rural areas, people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic abuse.

Support measures

Among the schemes highlighted is the National Databank, run with Good Things Foundation, which offers free O2 mobile data through O2 stores across the UK. More than 500,000 people have been connected through the initiative, according to Virgin Media O2.

The operator also pointed to its role in the Shared Rural Network, which is intended to expand 4G coverage in harder-to-reach parts of the country. It says broader rural connectivity has been part of its effort to reduce digital exclusion.

Device access has also been a key part of the work. Virgin Media O2 says its Community Calling programme with Hubbub has rehomed more than 32,000 devices, while its Tech Lending Community scheme has loaned tablets to people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic abuse.

The business says it has also donated hundreds of devices and free mobile data to The Multibank, which distributes essential non-food items through sites in Fife, Swansea and Tees Valley. In addition, it has pledged to donate 12,000 refurbished phones during 2026, matching its 2025 commitment.

Skills training

The work has also been backed by digital skills training designed to help people use online services safely. This includes a partnership with Internet Matters to help parents keep children safe online, and funding for Good Things Foundation’s Learn My Way platform.

Virgin Media O2 also highlighted its broadband and mobile social tariffs for people receiving government support payments. It says partnerships with UK Youth, nexfibre and Jangala have also extended broadband and WiFi access to disadvantaged groups and community organisations.

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Over the last five years, Virgin Media O2 has led the way in delivering innovative programmes, partnerships and targeted services that help people experiencing hardship get online. We know having access to both the internet and digital skills is a game-changer. It means people experiencing exclusion can access essential services and unlock opportunities that change their lives.”

“While we’re proud to have reached our ambitious targets, we know there’s more to do and we remain committed to tackling digital exclusion and connecting even more communities in need across the UK.”

Good Things Foundation, which has worked with Virgin Media O2 on the National Databank and digital skills programmes, says the partnership has widened access to data, devices and training.

Its representative, Sellick, said: “This is an incredible milestone and we are immensely proud to be working alongside Virgin Media O2 to tackle digital exclusion. Through our partnership, we are not just connecting people; we are making a real change and helping to fix the digital divide, ensuring hundreds of thousands of people across the UK have the free data, devices and skills they need to transform their lives by getting online.”

Virgin Media O2 also linked the milestone to the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which is intended to improve access and skills for people who remain excluded from digital services.

Minister for the Digital Economy Liz Lloyd said the effort showed the role industry can play alongside government in widening access. “This is a powerful example of industry helping to deliver real, positive change for people – opening up new chances in life and employment, and unlocking economic growth opportunities within communities across the country.”

“Through the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan and Virgin Media O2’s Better Connections Plan, we’re showing what’s possible when industry and government work in lockstep to close the digital divide. When we pull in the same direction, we can change more lives and ensure everyone has the confidence and connection they need to thrive.”