Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) and environmental charity Hubbub are calling on Brits to donate their old and unused smartphones to those in need.

The programme, called Community Calling is designed to provide phones to people in need, including victims of domestic abuse, refugees and disadvantaged communities.

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Launched in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Community Calling scheme aims to provide smartphones to those who cannot afford devices or internet connectivity, with free mobile data being provided by the National Databank.

The initiative seeks to donate 20,000 devices to people in need across the country, the telecoms giant revealed,

VMO2 Chief Sustainability Officer, Dana Haidan, said: “We know people in the UK want to do more to help communities in need, and with millions of unused phones stashed in drawers and garages, they’ve got the power to change lives by donating their devices to Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub’s Community Calling scheme.

“The quick and easy act of donating a phone will help people in need to get online and access essential services, like booking a medical appointment, applying for a job or taking part in training, or keeping in touch with loved ones.”
The initiative comes as new research by the two organisations found that 44% of people mistakenly believe charities do not accept smartphones.”

Hubbub CEO, Alex Robinson, added: “Four years after Covid-19 hit, digital exclusion remains a significant issue for hundreds of thousands of people in the UK. That’s why we’re thrilled to be celebrating the milestone of having donated 20,000 second-hand devices and free data through Community Calling.

“We’ve made donating a device to Community Calling easy and straightforward, to encourage even more businesses and individuals to pass on their old devices to support those facing digital exclusion.”