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Broadband ISP and mobile operator Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2) have today announced that they’re working with both the Scottish Government and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) to help people get online. This involves donating 1,200 refurbished smartphones and mobile data SIMs to Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) across 12 Local Authorities throughout Scotland.
The move forms part of VMO2’s earlier commitment to donate “up to” 12,000 pre-owned Smartphones during 2025 (c.1,000 per month) to help people in need get online and reduce e-waste (here), which is also being conducted with support from other organisations like the Good Things Foundation and Hubbub.
According to the news, one in ten households in Scotland remain without internet access and VMO2 are trying to help close that digital divide, although this does sometimes overlook the fact that not everybody wants to go digital.
Nevertheless, VMO2 said the Smartphones, complete with a free 25GB (GigaByte) mobile 4G/5G data allowance via the National Databank, are being distributed to CABs via Community Calling, which was setup to help re-home smartphones to people who need them.
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at VMO2, said:
“Access to smartphones and data can transform lives, and that’s why we’re proud to work with Citizens Advice Scotland and the Scottish Government to provide these devices, helping local communities get online and thrive across the country.
With our circular economy strategy, we’re committed to reusing phones from our supply chain to give tech a second life, which is also connecting communities across Scotland, and preventing e-waste. It’s a win-win for people and the planet.”
CABs offering the devices include those in: Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Aberdeenshire, Highlands, Inverclyde, East Lothian and West Lothian. Recipients are expected to include disabled people, those experiencing homelessness or on low incomes, refugees and asylum seekers, people leaving prison and those fleeing domestic violence.