Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity, Hubbub, are providing hundreds of tablets and smartphones to help people in need get online across the UK with a £400,000 device lending scheme.

The Tech Lending Community scheme, established in 2022, aims to tackle digital exclusion and electronic waste by providing second-hand devices to people in need, while also giving tech a second life, preventing it ending up in landfill.

As part of a new round of funding, homelessness charities, Centrepoint and Thames Reach will receive more than 500 tablets and smartphones, which will be powered by free O2 mobile data from the National Databank – which was set up by Virgin Media O2 and charity, Good Things Foundation.

The charities will distribute the devices via their services across the country so they can be loaned to those they support to help them improve their digital skills and access essential online services such as applying for jobs, locating food banks, booking medical appointments, and contacting loved ones.

In addition, Refuge, a charity which supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and received 250 tablets from the initiative in 2022, will continue to receive funding and support to run their device lending scheme.

The project is supported by Reconome which has sourced, wiped, and refurbished the second-hand devices.

The initiative forms part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, and is one of the ways the company will reach its goal to connect one million digitally excluded people through free and affordable connectivity and services by the end of 2025.

Lending scheme goes from strength to strength

Since the launch of the Tech Lending Community scheme, more than 750 people have been loaned a tablet for up to six months at around 50 community centres, temporary accommodation, or refuge sites nationwide.

The devices and data are helping to transform people’s lives.

Sara* said:

“Being able to borrow this device has uplifted my mental health and brought joy into my life. I can now connect with my kids through video calls, share my dance videos, and witness their excitement and encouragement first-hand.”

John* said:

“The tablet lending programme made it possible for me to achieve my goal. I can now look for work in the construction field with confidence and hope for a better future.” 

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“We know that having data and devices can be a lifeline for people in need, enabling them to access essential websites, from applying for jobs, to accessing medical appointments, and to stay in touch with loved ones.

“That’s why initiatives like The Tech Lending Community scheme and National Databank are vital in addressing digital exclusion and data poverty, and help to transform people’s lives in communities across the UK.”

Alex Robinson, CEO of Hubbub, said:

“The Tech Lending Community (TLC), in partnership with Virgin Media O2, has shown us the tangible impact a second-hand device coupled with free connectivity can have on someone’s life. Beneficiaries of the project have been able to access job support and stay in touch with friends, things that those of us who own smart devices can take for granted.

“Hubbub is thrilled to be launching a second phase of TLC, working alongside homelessness charities Thames Reach and Centrepoint, and Refuge, a charity supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence, to provide an additional 520 tablets and smartphones for them to lend to their service users. We are proud to continue doing work to bridge the digital divide in the UK, whilst keeping tech in circulation for longer.”

Jodi Leedham from Refuge said:

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Hubbub and Virgin Media O2 once again to support women in our services by providing safe access to technology. Many of the women we help have experienced technological and economic abuse, but through this vital program, we empower them and give them the tools they need to confidently utilise technology and navigate the digital world safely. By doing so, we can support survivors to reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives on their own terms.”

Lisa Waring, Head of Partnerships at Centrepoint, said:

“We are really excited to be working with Hubbub on this project funded by Virgin Media O2. The Tech Lending Community will make a huge difference to the young people we work with here at Centrepoint, giving them access to technology by being able to lend second-hand devices.”

Peter Charalambides, Area Manager for Prevention at Thames Reach, said:

“I’m immensely proud of our dedicated team and grateful to Hubbub and Virgin Media O2 for their unwavering support in our mission to support people at risk of, recovering from, or currently experiencing homelessness.

“Through the Tech Lending Community scheme, we’ve enabled individuals to effectively manage their affairs and navigate vital systems, improving their well-being and facilitating a transition to more stable, long-term accommodation.

Nick Rawkins, Founder and CEO at Reconome, said:

“We’re extremely proud to be building towards a brighter future where everyone, regardless of where or to whom they were born, can access the opportunities technology offers: a great education, healthcare, career, and finding their life’s passion. We’re proud of our continued work to support the Tech Lending Community and exploring innovative and necessary models where we reuse technology and provide devices to those in need at scale.”

 

*Names have been changed.

The post Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub show charities ‘TLC’ with £400,000 tech lending scheme appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Full-fibre broadband with top speeds of 2Gbps now available to more than 13,000 additional homes and businesses in York
• York residents can now sign up to broadband up to 30 times faster* than the local average.
• Services are now available in York following investment by nexfibre, which is investing £4.5bn in the UK to build a new full-fibre wholesale network to 5 million homes by 2026

More than 13,000 homes and businesses in York can now access Virgin Media’s gigabit broadband services for the first time.

Customers in York can now sign-up to services including Gig2 broadband which offers top speeds of 2Gbps – 30 times faster* than local average. These hyperfast connections are perfect for busy households working remotely, streaming UHD TV shows and films, video calling friends and family and playing games online.

Virgin Media’s services are now available locally after work to bring full fibre connections to the area has been completed. The network has been built on behalf of nexfibre, which is investing £4.5bn to deliver high speed fibre to the home (FTTH) connections to 5 million homes across the UK by 2026. Virgin Media O2 is using this next-generation network to deliver its broadband and TV Stream services to homes and businesses in the area.

Julie Agnew, Managing Director of Fixed Network Expansion at Virgin Media O2 said: “13,000 more homes in York can now feel the benefit of Virgin Media’s services – with packages that include everything from next generation multigigabit broadband to easy-to-use TV streaming and entertainment services.

“These ultrareliable full fibre to the home broadband connections come with speeds – up to 30 times faster than local average – providing total peace of mind that whatever you’re doing online, you’ll never be slowed down by your service.”

Rajiv Datta, CEO at nexfibre said: “We’re proud to be able to facilitate access to futureproof hyper-fast fibre to more than 13,000 premises in York, thanks to our multi-million pound in investment. We continue on our mission to build and expand our network in suburban and semi-rural areas, and play our part in helping to close the digital divide and boost the UK economy.”

Virgin Media O2 is leading Britain’s gigabit charge with speeds of 1,000Mbps+ available across its entire network. The company invests around £2bn a year in its networks and services and is also in the process of upgrading its entire fixed network to full fibre to the home (FTTH) technology over the coming years.

In addition to its ultrafast broadband network, Virgin Media O2’s mobile network covers 99% of the nation’s population with 4G, with the business also rolling out 5G services to bring the latest mobile connectivity to more parts of the country. O2 is the only mobile network operator not to have reintroduced roaming fees in Europe and customers can save week-in week-out through Priority – its reward scheme which gives exclusive access to offers, prize draws, competitions, and presale tickets.

Customers of both Virgin Media and O2 can supercharge their services and reap extra rewards through Volt. Alongside double mobile data, roaming in 75 countries, new and existing customers who take a Virgin Media broadband service and an eligible O2 Pay Monthly plan will receive a broadband speed boost to the next tier available – meaning customers on a 500Mbps Virgin Media package could be boosted to Gig1 at no extra charge.

nexfibre is a joint venture between InfraVia Capital Partners, Liberty Global and Telefónica and is financed with £4.5 billion of equity and debt investment. It will initially roll out fibre to 5 million homes not currently served by Virgin Media O2’s network by 2026, with the opportunity to expand to an additional 2 million homes. Virgin Media O2 is the anchor tenant of this joint venture and provides build services to nexfibre. Taken together, nexfibre and Virgin Media O2 will cover up to 23 million premises or around 80% of the UK later this decade.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors

*The average (median) broadband speed in York is 65.7Mbps. Source: Ofcom, Connected Nations Report 2022, published 15 December 2023.

nexfibre is a next generation broadband company on a mission to deliver high-speed fibre to the home (FTTH) to millions across the UK. It is a joint venture between InfraVia Capital Partners and Virgin Media O2’s shareholders, Liberty Global and Telefónica

The post Virgin Media gigabit broadband now available to 13,000 homes in York for first time appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Virgin Media O2 has successfully deployed 4G and 5G smart poles on top of its existing fibre network in a UK first
• Smart poles with 4G and 5G mobile cells don’t require planning permission, can be installed in a matter of hours and are powered by Virgin Media O2’s fibre network using innovative ‘digital electricity’ technology
• With around 25,000 cabinets already in place on streets up and down the UK, the trial could pave the way for a wide scale rollout that could significantly speed up network build, reduce costs and de-risk upgrade programmes
• In the future, these smart poles could also power smart city solutions and EV chargers using Virgin Media O2’s existing duct networks

Virgin Media O2 has successfully trialled an innovative new way of improving and expanding mobile services by bringing together its fixed network infrastructure with new smart poles, which could help to boost mobile coverage in local areas across the UK.

The innovation trial, delivered in collaboration with shareholder Liberty Global, has seen innovative new smart poles installed beside the operator’s existing national fibre network cabinets. The poles, which are much smaller than traditional mobile phone masts and do not require planning permission, can be safely installed in less than a day and house small cell technology which can boost mobile coverage in busy areas.

In a UK first, the electricity is supplied by Virgin Media’s fibre network rather than a traditional power supply through innovative ‘digital electricity’ technology, which transmits power from on-street cabinets in the local area along fibre optic cables. The same fixed fibre network is also used to carry data to and from the mobile cells and the internet.

Small cells housed at the top of the pole add capacity to the local mobile network, reducing congestion and improving services for users. Virgin Media O2 is already leading the way on small cells rollout and the technology is enabling the company to accelerate its customer-centric network rollout in a more environmentally friendly way while boosting mobile capacity in dense urban areas where it’s needed most.

The current process of deploying mobile infrastructure can be time consuming as it typically involves obtaining planning permission for new or upgraded infrastructure, installing radio equipment, connecting sites to the power network, before establishing fibre connections to carry mobile traffic to the internet – a process known as backhaul. For many non-converged mobile operators, this involves paying for a fixed backhaul connection which is often provided by a competitor.

With this trial, Virgin Media O2 has demonstrated how it can leverage its converged network by installing new small cells to boost mobile capacity and connecting them to Virgin Media’s traditional fixed fibre network. This reduces cost and complexity by negating the need for a separate backhaul connection or dedicated electricity supply and can help avoid a potentially time-consuming planning process.

Virgin Media O2 currently operates around 25,000 street cabinets across the UK, all of which are connected to the National Grid and which could power these new smart poles, helping meet demand for mobile sites in urban areas for years to come.

Smart city infrastructure, including electric vehicle (EV) chargers, can also be built into the poles providing new opportunities for Virgin Media O2 to further monetise its network in future.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “As we continue investing to upgrade and expand our network, we’re always looking for new ways to work smarter and deliver more for our customers. Groundbreaking trials like this can help boost mobile coverage and bring next generation services to even more customers.

“The ability to use our existing national fixed network to backhaul and power small cells could be transformational – helping us save time and money, open up new revenue streams, support smart city technology and fully leverage the benefits of our scaled converged network.”

The post Virgin Media O2 successfully trials smart poles powered by its fixed network to boost mobile coverage across the UK appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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With new research revealing there are around 18 million* unused consoles stashed in cupboards and drawers across the UK, Virgin Media O2 is giving Brits a ‘power-up’ so they can trade in their unwanted devices for cash and prevent electronic waste (e-waste).

O2 Recycle has expanded to include popular gaming systems from PlayStation, Xbox, Oculus and Nintendo.

People can send their unwanted tech to O2 Recycle for free where the device will be repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled – with zero parts going to landfill.

Gamers can receive up to £283 for a PlayStation 5, up to £110 for a Nintendo Switch (OLED) and up to £238 for an Xbox Series X.

In addition, the initiative is now accepting MacBooks, alongside smartphones, tablets, wearables and earbuds to tackle e-waste, and to promote the circular economy where devices can be used again and again.

Helping gamers go green 

The announcement comes ahead of Global Recycling Day (Monday 18 March), as new research reveals more than half (58%) of gamers were unaware that consoles could be recycled. Eight in ten (83%) admit they’re holding onto old consoles, despite not planning to use them, and more than four in ten (42%) say they don’t use their old gaming device because it’s broken or missing a part.

The research also reveals that despite approximately 18 million consoles collecting dust across the country, gamers want to go ‘green’. Three quarters (75%) say they’d recycle their console if they were paid for it, and half (51%) would do so to help prevent e-waste and protect the planet.

Giving tech a second life 

Since its launch in 2009, O2 Recycle has recycled almost four million devices and paid out £341 million to consumers. O2 Recycle is open to anyone regardless of their mobile network and, last year, the initiative processed almost 180,000 devices which were saved from landfill, and recycled or resold as ‘like new’ products to customers.

The scheme forms part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan and its goal to encourage consumers to carry out 10 million ‘circular actions’ by the end of 2025.

The company is also helping to prevent e-waste via its Community Calling programme with environmental charity, Hubbub, where more than 17,000 smartphones have been rehomed with people who need them across the UK.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2 said: 

“We’ve powered up O2 Recycle to cover consoles and MacBooks, making it even easier for people to trade in their unwanted tech for cash and to protect the planet by saving their device from landfill.

“With almost four million devices recycled and £340 million paid out, O2 Recycle is leading the UK’s circular economy and giving tech a second life so it can be used again and again.”

Scott Butler, Executive Director from Recycle Your Electricals, said: 

“We’ve all got that ‘drawer of doom’ stashed full of electricals, including cables, spare plugs, phones, and for some of us a stash of spare game consoles and accessories. Now’s the time to cash in your old electricals. Our research found that households could make anything from £1,300 to £6k by selling their unwanted electricals. This great initiative by O2 Recycle will make it easier for all those gaming consoles to be either sold or recycled.”

The post Recycle Player One: Gamers can trade in their consoles for cash with O2 Recycle appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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From today until 17th March 2024, Virgin Media is offering new customers the opportunity to get their hands on a 43” LG Smart UHD TV worth £379.99 or £250 bill credit when they purchase selected bundles on an 18-month contract. 

The selected bundles include:

Bigger Combo bundle + Movies (18-month contract) for £68 per month 

TV: A choice of 218 TV channels, including access to Sky Cinema HD, so customers can watch the best new releases and movie-magic classics from the comfort of their own home. 

Broadband: M250 fibre broadband with average download speeds of 264Mbps. 

Bigger Combo bundle + Sports HD (18-month contract) for £65 per month 

TV: A choice of 204 TV channels, including a host of sports channels, so customers can watch Premier League football, WSL, F1 and top-flight rugby – all in stunning HD. 

Broadband: M250 fibre broadband with average download speeds of 264Mbps.

Biggest Combo bundle (18-month contract) for £79 per month 

TV: Sky Sports, Sky Cinema HD, 210+ TV channels & Weekend chatter, Netflix Standard. 

Broadband: M125 fibre broadband with average download speeds of 132Mbps. 

Mega Volt (18-month contract) for £85 per month 

TV: 230+ channels including a Netflix Standard Plan as part of the bundle price. 

Broadband: M500 fibre broadband with average download speeds of 516Mbps. Customers can also benefit from Virgin Media’s WiFi guarantee at no extra cost (usually £8 per month), offering minimum download speeds of 30Mbps in every room of their home or £100 back. 

Mobile: An unlimited O2 SIM which offers inclusive roaming in 75 worldwide destinations.  

O2 Extra: Customers can also choose a subscription to Disney+, Amazon Prime, Audible, Cafeyn, Amazon Music Unlimited or McAfee Mobile Security Plus for 6 months at no extra cost.  

All customers who sign up to one of these bundles via Virgin Media’s website will also benefit from no set up fee (usually £35) and can enjoy a host of content including recently added themed channels across popular genres such as comedy, crime and mystery at no extra cost. 

Priority from O2 

All Virgin Media broadband and O2 customers get exclusive access to Priority from O2 which offers rewards and deals, VIP experiences and pre-sale ticket access (48 hours before anyone else) to the hottest gigs in town. From discounts at restaurants to savings on cinema tickets and regular prize draws, Priority members can enjoy rewards every day of the week, with savings of up to £700 per year up for grabs according to Uswitch.  

ENDS 

Notes to Editors: 

• Free installation set-up is available for online purchases via Virgin Media’s website only.  
• Bill credit: The credit will be applied to a customer’s first bill, and any that’s left over will be applied to their following bills until it’s all used. As well as using the credit to pay their bill, eligible customers can use it to buy on-demand entertainment on Virgin TV. 

The post New Virgin Media broadband customers can get their hands on an LG Smart TV worth £379.99 or bill credit at no extra cost appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Full-fibre broadband with top speeds of 2Gbps now available to more than 14,000 additional homes and businesses in Alfreton
• Alfreton residents can now sign up to broadband up to 34 times faster* than the local average.
• Services are now available in Alfreton following investment by nexfibre, which is investing £4.5bn in the UK to build a new full-fibre wholesale network to 5 million homes by 2026

More than 14,000 homes and businesses in Alfreton can now access Virgin Media’s gigabit broadband services for the first time.

Customers in Alfreton can now sign-up to services including Gig2 broadband which offers top speeds of 2Gbps – 34 times faster* than local average. These hyperfast connections are perfect for busy households working remotely, streaming UHD TV shows and films, video calling friends and family and playing games online.

Virgin Media’s services are now available locally after work to bring full fibre connections to the area has been completed. The network has been built on behalf of nexfibre, which is investing £4.5bn to deliver high speed fibre to the home (FTTH) connections to 5 million homes across the UK by 2026. Virgin Media O2 is using this next-generation network to deliver its broadband and TV Stream services to homes and businesses in the area.

Julie Agnew, Managing Director of Fixed Network Expansion at Virgin Media O2 said: “14,000 more people in Alfreton can now feel the benefit of Virgin Media’s services – with packages that include everything from next generation multigigabit broadband to easy-to-use TV streaming and entertainment services.

“These ultrareliable full fibre to the home broadband connections come with speeds – up to 34 times faster than local average – providing total peace of mind that whatever you’re doing online, you’ll never be slowed down by your service.”

Rajiv Datta, CEO at nexfibre said: “nexfibre’s multi-million pound investment in Alfreton will enable thousands of households and businesses to access the benefits of full fibre broadband, including being able to participate in the local economy and connect with the community. It marks a significant step on our journey to connect 5 million premises by 2026.”

Virgin Media O2 is leading Britain’s gigabit charge with speeds of 1,000Mbps+ available across its entire network. The company invests around £2bn a year in its networks and services and is also in the process of upgrading its entire fixed network to full fibre to the home (FTTH) technology over the coming years.

In addition to its ultrafast broadband network, Virgin Media O2’s mobile network covers 99% of the nation’s population with 4G, with the business also rolling out 5G services to bring the latest mobile connectivity to more parts of the country. O2 is the only mobile network operator not to have reintroduced roaming fees in Europe and customers can save week-in week-out through Priority – its reward scheme which gives exclusive access to offers, prize draws, competitions, and presale tickets.

Customers of both Virgin Media and O2 can supercharge their services and reap extra rewards through Volt. Alongside double mobile data, roaming in 75 countries, new and existing customers who take a Virgin Media broadband service and an eligible O2 Pay Monthly plan will receive a broadband speed boost to the next tier available – meaning customers on a 500Mbps Virgin Media package could be boosted to Gig1 at no extra charge.

nexfibre is a joint venture between InfraVia Capital Partners, Liberty Global and Telefónica and is financed with £4.5 billion of equity and debt investment. It will initially roll out fibre to 5 million homes not currently served by Virgin Media O2’s network by 2026, with the opportunity to expand to an additional 2 million homes. Virgin Media O2 is the anchor tenant of this joint venture and provides build services to nexfibre. Taken together, nexfibre and Virgin Media O2 will cover up to 23 million premises or around 80% of the UK later this decade.

The post Virgin Media gigabit broadband now available to 14,000 homes in Alfreton for first time appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Virgin Media small business customers can enjoy 8 months half price on Voom 800 and Gig1 Solus and Bundle broadband packages on a 24-month contract 
• Virgin Media small business customers can enjoy 6 months half price on Voom 400 and 600 Solus and Bundle broadband packages on a 24-month contract  
• This Spring Savings offer is available to all new small business customers, from now until the 28th March 

 From now until 28th March, new Virgin Media small business customers can take advantage of an all-new Spring Sale offer. Voom Fibre business broadband customers can enjoy 8 months half price on Voom 800 and Gig1 Solus and Bundle Voom packages on a 24-month contract, or 6 months half price on Voom 400 and 600 Solus and Bundle Voom packages on a 24-month contract. 

Voom Fibre business broadband from Virgin Media enables businesses in various sectors to access reliable and fast connectivity. There are four Voom Fibre speed tiers to choose from, with download speeds of 400Mbps, 600Mbps, 800Mbps and 1Gbps. Businesses can pick features that fit their individual needs with options for different upload speeds, service level agreements and static IP. 

Virgin Media’s all-new Spring Sale deal helps Solus customers save: £99 with Voom 400; £126 with Voom 600; £204 with Voom 800; and £240 with Voom Gig1. Bundle customers can save: £120 with Voom 400; £147 with Voom 600; £232 with Voom 800; and £268 with Voom Gig1. Customers can take advantage of the deal at point of purchase using the SPRINGSALE code. 

New customers can find out more by visiting: Fibre Business Broadband Deals | Virgin Media Business 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

6 months half price on Voom 400 and 600 Solus and Bundle packages
Savings are applicable when purchasing Voom 400 and Voom 600 (on a minimum 24-month contract). Available via telesales or online. Prices are stated exclusive of VAT, applicable at 20%.  

8 months half price on Voom 800 and Gig1 Solus and Bundle packages
Savings are applicable when purchasing Voom 800 and Voom Gig1 (on a minimum 24-month contract). Available via telesales or online. Prices are stated exclusive of VAT, applicable at 20%. 

Offer valid 4 March to 28 March 2024. 

Savings are calculated as follows: 

Solus 

• Voom 400: 6 MONTHS HALF PRICE (SAVE £99) based on taking Voom 400 
• Voom 600: 6 MONTHS HALF PRICE (SAVE £126) based on taking Voom 600 
• Voom 800: 8 MONTHS HALF PRICE (SAVE £204) based on taking Voom 800 
• Voom Gig1: 8 MONTHS HALF PRICE (SAVE £240) based on taking Voom Gig1 

Bundle 

• Voom 400 Bundle: 6 MONTHS HALF PRICE (SAVE £120) based on taking Voom 400 + Phone line (incl. Constant Connect with 4G broadband back-up and F-Secure Internet Security) 
• Voom 600 Bundle 6 MONTHS HALF PRICE (SAVE £147) based on taking Voom 600 + Phone line (incl. Constant Connect with 4G broadband back-up and F-Secure Internet Security) 
• Voom 800 Bundle: 8 MONTHS HALF PRICE (SAVE £232) based on taking Voom 800 + Phone line (incl. Constant Connect with 4G broadband back-up and F-Secure Internet Security) 
• Voom Gig1 Bundle: 8 MONTHS HALF PRICE (SAVE £268) based on taking Voom Gig1 + Phone line (incl. Constant Connect with 4G broadband back-up and F-Secure Internet Security)

For more information on the T&Cs visit: The Legal Stuff 

The post Virgin Media introduces all-new Spring Sale offer for small business broadband customers  appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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