Data poverty is a continuing problem – but help is at hand

The internet is at the heart of everyday life. And having access to data is now an essential part of allowing us to live our lives. It gives us access to things like online banking, job applications, online groceries, and even staying connected to loved ones. It also provides us with entertainment, such as streaming our favourite shows or listening to music.

Yet in the UK, many people are experiencing data poverty. As the cost-of-living crisis persists, people continue to live in data poverty, which is why the National Databank is so vital.

Run by the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation, the National Databank provides free mobile data, texts and calls to people living in data poverty. We’re doing our bit to help – and you can too.

We live in a digital society where equal access to the internet, sadly isn’t a reality. According to Ofcom’s Affordability Tracker, 1.9 million households are struggling to afford their mobile service and stay connected, and 6% of those with fixed broadband found it difficult to afford their service in the previous month. Here are the facts*:

• 6.8 million households struggled to afford communications services in July 2024

• 3.7 million households with children do not meet the Minimum Digital Living Standard (4 in 10 households with children in the UK) 

• 29% of people know someone disconnected from the internet

• 16% of people in the UK experience economic abuse, which can include restricted access to devices – meaning barriers aren’t always straightforward

*The above statistics have been taken from Ofcom reports, the Minimum Digital Living Standard, research by Virgin Money and information provided by Refuge.

Since Virgin Media O2 joined forces with Good Things Foundation and founded the National Databank, we’ve connected more than 223,000 people with O2 SIM cards, each providing free data, texts and minutes every month for up to 12 months. And we’ve increased the monthly data from 15GB to 25GB. Virgin Media O2 has committed to provide at least 152,448 sims to the National Databank, which will support over 336,147 people to get connected. Find out more via My O2.

Being digitally excluded in our society is a major social issue that the National Databank aims to resolve. Here are two real examples of where your support as a customer has made a difference.

When using the internet, children and teenagers might be vulnerable to online harms, like bullying, identity theft, misinformation, and content we’d rather they didn’t see. So, in partnership with online safety experts Internet Matters, we’ve set up some easy-to-use resources to help your children stay safe online.

Find out more

We’ve also partnered with environmental charity Hubbub to rehome unused smartphones with the people who need them. The devices come with up to 12 months’ free data (25GB), minutes and texts. So far, thousands of phones have been donated. Together we’ve rehomed over 20,000 devices, providing vital support to those who need it most. You can also help by donating your old and working devices to Hubbub to support more people.

Donate your old phone

Your SIM will last for up to 12 months. Once you activate your SIM, you’ll get monthly top up texts on the same date. Each text will contain a new, unique 16-digit voucher code which you will need to use to top-up your SIM each month.

How to top-up your SIM using your voucher code:

1. Dial 4444

2. Select option 1

3. Select option 2 and wait for the message to finish

4. Enter the 16-digit voucher code from the text you received

5. You’ll get a text to let you know your top-up was successful

If you need help, please visit your local National Databank Hub. If you need further support, please call O2 customer service on 03448090222 or 4445 from your o2 phone and quote ‘National Databank’ to the customer service team.

If you would like to keep your original number, please find guidance on how to do this here.

Terms and conditions: O2 National Databank SIM available in store (1 per person) or National Databanks, subject to availability. Voucher code and instructions will be sent by text to eligible SIM. Min 25GB guaranteed. 18+. Terms and eligibility criteria apply, see O2.co.uk/national-databank

Published: 9 December 2024