VMO2 launches £3m fund to recirculate 460m old devices

Virgin Media O2 is putting £3 million behind schemes to recover and reuse unwanted devices as new research suggests 460 million digital devices are gathering dust in UK homes and businesses.

The operator has launched its Tech Rehome Network Fund to help councils, charities and community organisations build local networks for collecting, refurbishing and redistributing unwanted technology.

The Tech Rehome Network Fund forms part of VMO2’s Responsible Business Plan and its target of encouraging a device-reuse culture in 30 UK cities by 2030.

The initiative comes against research that shows around 1.5 million people in the UK do not have access to a smartphone, tablet or laptop. VMO2 estimates there are around 460 million unused devices n homes and businesses and that around
267 million of can be reused or repaired.

The first £500,000 round of the fund opens today, with further funding to be made available through to 2030.

Businesses sitting on 45 unused devices

VMO2’s research found the average UK household has seven unused digital devices, while businesses are holding an average of 45.

Nearly half of businesses said they retain old equipment in case another employee needs it. But when equipment is actually required, 42 per cent buy a new device compared with just 34 per cent that reassign an existing one.

For consumers, 55 per cent said their oldest unused device had been sitting around for at least five years.

The problem appears to about them now knowing what to do with heir old equipment

Most consumers polled said they would donate an unwanted device if they knew it would help somebody in need, while 82 per cent of businesses said the same.

But 61 per cent said they were unaware of a local organisation to which they could donate unwanted technology.

VMO2 hopes its new fund can create local systems capable of taking devices from households and businesses, refurbishing them and redistributing them,.

Building local reuse networks

Councils, charities and community organisations in England, Scotland and Wales can apply for funding,

VMO2 chief sustainability officer Dana Haidan (below) said t much of the technology needed to tackle digital exclusion was already available.

“By making it easier for households and businesses across cities to pass on unwanted technology, we can give devices a second life while helping more people get online.”

VMO already works with Coventry City Council on the #CovConnects device bank, which takes end-of-first-life equipment from businesses and public-sector organisations and redistributes it within the community.

Actress and podcaster Joanna Page will front a consumer campaign encouraging people to dig out unused devices and put them back into circulation.

Device reuse, refurbishment and extending the working life of mobile technology will be among the key issues discussed at the Mobile News Circular Summit evemt at Hilton London Bankside on November 17.