There were calls to donate unwanted smartphones to those in need

Smartphone users are being encouraged to donate their old and unwanted devices to a charity that provides connectivity to those who need it most.

Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity Hubbub have appealed to people to donate devices to Community Calling, a program that aims to provide phones to people who need them, including victims of domestic violence, refugees and disadvantaged communities. .

A new study by the two companies found that 44% of people wrongly believe that charities do not accept smartphones.

Previous research by Virgin Media O2 estimates there are as many as 15 million unwanted and unused devices in UK homes.

The Community Calling program was created in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide smartphones to those who could not afford to purchase devices or have an internet connection.

The organization wants to donate PLN 20,000. devices to people in need across the country, and free mobile data will be made available by the National Database, created by Virgin Media O2 and the Good Things Foundation.

Many reports show that some people are at risk of being cut off from society because they lack the tools necessary to use the internet in an increasingly digital world.

Dana Haidan, director of sustainability at Virgin Media O2, said: “We know that people across the UK want to do more to help communities in need, and with millions of unused phones hidden away in drawers and garages, they have the power to change lives by donating their devices to to Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub’s Community Calling program.

“The quick and easy act of handing over a phone will help those in need access the internet and basic services, such as booking a medical appointment, applying for a job or taking part in training, or staying in touch with loved ones.”

Hubbub chief executive Alex Robinson said: “Four years after Covid-19 struck, digital divide is still a serious problem for hundreds of thousands of people across the UK.

“That’s why we’re excited to celebrate reaching the milestone of donating 20,000 used devices and free data to Community Calling.

“We’ve made it easy and simple to donate a device to Community Calling to encourage even more businesses and individuals to donate their old devices to support those at risk of digital exclusion.”