O2 is launching a phone donation scheme to bring connectivity to the most vulnerable

A nationwide campaign to get the most vulnerable and digitally disconnected access to mobile technology has been announced by O2.

The mobile operator is working with charity Hubbub to donate 10,000 mobile devices and a year of free connectivity to digitally excluded people in areas facing tighter lockdown restrictions.

The Community Calling scheme will first be rolled out in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark, areas with high levels of inequality and exclusion, O2 said.

This will then be followed by a national rollout in Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Swansea, with the full rollout expected to be completed by spring next year.

The public is encouraged to donate unused or unwanted smartphones for redistribution or by choosing to donate the cost of one month’s data, both of which can be done through the Hubbub website.

O2 said the scheme would target cities that are at risk of a level 3 coronavirus lockdown in an effort to counter the isolation that can accompany such measures.

In addition to the donated devices, the mobile operator has confirmed that it will give recipients 12 months of free connectivity, including unlimited minutes and texts, as well as 6GB of data per month for the entire year.

The scheme has received support from the Government, with Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman praising the initiative.

“Digital connectivity has been a lifeline for many of us during the pandemic and I welcome O2’s efforts to bring more vulnerable people online,” he said.

“The Government has brokered an unprecedented deal with mobile operators to provide extra support to those struggling to pay their bills and I’m delighted to see O2 continuing to do all it can to help those affected by the virus.”

The creation of the scheme follows a trial in Southwark earlier this year, where 500 devices were distributed to residents.

Mark Evans, chief executive of O2, said: “Connectivity has been vital to keep the country running during the pandemic, but if you can’t get online, you could be missing out on a lot of support.

“We’ve already seen the positive impact Community Calling has had on vulnerable people in Southwark, so we’re delighted to announce this expansion and tackle digital exclusion in other parts of the country. We are determined to support the people who need it most.”

Hubbub co-founder and director Gavin Ellis has also called on businesses to get involved in the scheme by organizing bulk device donations or providing collection boxes.

“It’s been heartening to see the positive impact that receiving a smartphone through the Community Calling project has already had on so many people’s lives.

“Being connected to loved ones and accessing essential services is easy to take for granted, but it’s still not a reality for too many people. We look forward to working with O2 to expand Community Calling to connect more people and prevent unnecessary electricity waste.

“We are asking individuals and businesses with spare smartphones to donate them to someone who needs a device to stay connected during this difficult time.”