O2 has partnered up with The Big Issue which will see over 200 magazine vendors stay connected as part of a new National Databank Initiative.
The partnership helps Big Issue vendors become cashless, access online services and reconnect with families as O2 plans to donate free data plans including 7GB data, free sim and unlimited calls and texts.
The National Databank initiative was launched by O2 and Good Things Foundation which aims to tackle data poverty.
The scheme provides free data for people in need and supports O2’s pledge to get over 255,000 people living in poverty connected by the end of 2023.
For every plan the network sells this Christmas, O2 will donate 10GB of free data to the Databank for someone who needs it.
Virgin Media O2 marketing director Simon Valcarcel 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.”
The Big Issue commercial MD Russell Blackman added: “Not only does it mean our vendors will be able to boost their sales, but it also means they will be able to stay connected to their loved ones this Christmas.
“Whilst in 2019 we started to help ensure our vendors were connected, there are still many who need access. The partnership will ensure more of our vendors are no longer left behind.”
