VMO2 partners with charity to promote used…

British operator Virgin Media O2 has teamed up with local charity Hubbub to encourage consumers to donate their old phones for redistribution to disadvantaged communities. The two estimate there are nearly 15 million unused devices in the country.

In its appeal for donations, the operator cited a consumer survey which showed that almost half of those surveyed were not aware that charities even accept mobile phones.

The couple are asking for working smartphones for their Community Calling program, where they will be distributed to people in need, including disadvantaged communities, refugees and victims of domestic violence.

Since 2020, the charity has given away 20,000 devices with free data distributed by a foundation set up by Virgin Media O2 and the Good Things Foundation.

Dana Haidan, the operator’s director of sustainability, said that with “millions of phones sitting unused in drawers and garages”, people in the UK “have the opportunity to change lives by donating their devices to Virgin’s Community Calling program O2 Media and Hubbub.”

“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.”