Virgin Media O2 has expanded the list of services its customers can access for free as part of efforts to help people cope with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Customers on the Virgin Media O2 network can now visit the National Debtline, Business Debtline, Turn2us, Debt Advice Foundation, and National Energy Action websites without consuming their mobile data allowances.
Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action, said: “The energy crisis is already making life difficult for millions. We know that when colder weather arrives and annual energy bills rise—potentially to over £3,000—that hardship will increase significantly.”
“By enabling customers to access our site without using mobile data, Virgin Media O2 has recognised the scale of fuel poverty and taken a practical step to help people get the information they need.”
These additions join a group of existing zero-rated websites, including Citizens Advice, the Money Advice Service, and StepChange, which offer impartial, trusted advice for people managing debt or struggling with their finances.
Jane Tully, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships at the Money Advice Trust—the charity that runs National Debtline and Business Debtline—said: “We welcome Virgin Media O2’s decision to expand the list of services accessible without using mobile data to include National Debtline and Business Debtline.”
“With households increasingly concerned about rising costs, making free, independent advice easy to reach is more important than ever. This change should make it simpler for people to find the support they need.”
The UK is currently experiencing its highest inflation in 40 years. At around 9.4 percent, the rate is the highest among G7 nations, putting additional pressure on household budgets.
As government support has struggled to meet the scale of need, private companies and voluntary organisations have taken on a larger role in helping people through the crisis.
Amid this economic strain, demand for food banks has increased sharply. While food remains a fundamental priority, reliable internet access is increasingly essential for finding opportunities, obtaining advice, and staying connected in modern life.
Last year, Virgin Media O2 partnered with the Good Things Foundation to launch a “food bank for data” called the National Databank. This initiative aims to provide free mobile data to people who cannot afford sufficient internet access for essential tasks.
Gareth Turpin, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We are committed to supporting our customers and the communities we serve through the cost-of-living crisis.”
“We have introduced wide-ranging support for those most affected, created a data food bank to tackle digital exclusion, and continue to offer customers great value services while helping to keep the country connected.”
The National Databank has become a crucial resource for many more people over the past year.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Good Things Foundation, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three issued a joint statement offering support to refugees arriving in the UK. The statement confirmed that the UK National Databank would provide free mobile data to those fleeing war and persecution and invited organisations working with refugees to register for the service.
By the end of 2023, the National Databank expected to have helped more than 200,000 people gain essential online access.
Virgin Media has also been among the early UK providers to offer a social tariff for households unable to afford a home broadband connection. Its “Essential Broadband” plan costs £15 per month with no fixed contract and provides speeds of 15Mbps. The company has committed to connecting community centres with gigabit broadband and launched Community Calling to supply devices to people in need.
While government responses have been criticized as insufficient, initiatives from firms such as Virgin Media O2 demonstrate how the private and voluntary sectors can provide practical support during difficult economic times.
If you are struggling with your bills, Virgin Media O2 has published a guide on its support measures.
(Photo by Ben White on Unsplash)
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