O2 is spreading festive cheer by gifting free mobile data to hundreds of Big Issue sellers.
As part of the National Databank initiative, the donated data will help vendors access vital online services, accept cashless payments and expand their businesses.
More than 200 Big Issue sellers will receive 7GB of data per month, plus unlimited texts and calls, enabling them to stay connected with customers, colleagues and loved ones.
Rodney Lyall, a Big Issue vendor based in Bournemouth, described the impact:
“I can have a card reader, which increases my sales, but I need a mobile phone for that. I can now ring The Big Issue office when I need to, I can do banking on my phone. When I check my balance, I know how many magazines I can afford to buy that day.
And my family are in Newcastle and I’m in Bournemouth, so being able to stay in touch when we’re so far apart has benefits for my mental health and wellbeing.
You feel part of things.”
Data poverty restricts access to work, education and social opportunities, raises household costs and deepens isolation. This “digital divide” is associated with poorer health outcomes and reduced life expectancy.
Around 1.5 million homes in the UK still lack internet access, highlighting the scale of the problem. To help narrow that gap this Christmas, Virgin Media O2 recently pledged to add 10GB of O2 data to the National Databank for every qualifying plan purchased between 1 November and 31 January.
Simon Valcarcel, Marketing Director at Virgin Media O2, said:
“Data poverty affects many millions of people in the UK, so we set up the National Databank – with the help of Good Things Foundation – to help those most in need stay connected.
This Christmas, we’ve partnered with The Big Issue to provide over 200 of their vendors with access to free data each month. The aim is to help them take mobile payments in an ever more cashless society, access the services they need, and stay connected to loved ones.”
With high streets still recovering from the pandemic, Big Issue vendors face greater challenges earning a living. The O2 initiative offers practical support at a critical time for many sellers.
You can support Big Issue vendors by buying a copy of the magazine from your local seller or by making a donation to the organisation.
(Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash)
Looking to revamp your digital transformation strategy? Learn more about the Digital Transformation Week virtual event, held 30 November – 1 December 2021, to discover practical strategies for improving digital initiatives.