In a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, thousands of individuals facing financial difficulty in Scotland can now benefit from free smartphones and mobile data. This is courtesy of a collaborative effort between Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), Virgin Media O2, Hubbub, and the Scottish Government.
Through this initiative, 1,200 refurbished smartphones donated by Virgin Media O2 are now available across Citizens Advice Bureaux in 12 local authorities throughout Scotland. These devices are crucial for individuals who otherwise cannot afford them, empowering users to access vital online services and stay connected with family and friends.
The project's inception came from CAB advisers who noticed widespread inability to undertake everyday tasks due to a lack of digital access among certain groups. Particularly affected are disabled individuals, people with low incomes, or those experiencing homelessness, refugees, asylum seekers, and others in precarious circumstances.
The refurbished devices enable users to access online services such as banking, social benefits claims, housing applications, and job searches. Furthermore, it allows for communication with loved ones, an essential aspect of maintaining social bonds and mental wellness.
This initiative aligns with Virgin Media O2’s device donation programme, which aims to distribute 12,000 devices to UK charities by 2025. The devices, sourced from customer returns and its O2 Recycle service, are refurbished to a high standard, emphasising Virgin Media O2’s commitment to sustainability and digital inclusion.
The distributed devices come equipped with free data, texts, and calls courtesy of the National Databank, a joint effort by Virgin Media O2 and the Good Things Foundation. This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and a circular approach, playing a part in reducing e-waste by rehoming smartphones to those in need.
The coordination of the initiative is supervised by the Strong Communities team at CAS, ensuring the smooth distribution and effective use of the devices. This initiative significantly impacts communities in areas such as Glasgow, Aberdeenshire, Inverclyde, and beyond, promoting digital access and inclusion for all residents.
Kyle Scott, Policy Manager said, " We know that almost one in ten households do not have access to the internet. By providing access to a device, we're one step closer to eradicating digital exclusion."
