How Virgin Media O2 is Taking a Stand for Low-Income Families During the Cost of Living Crisis

2023-12-07 10:34:06

Enhancing Digital Inclusion for Low-Income Households

Virgin Media O2 is doubling efforts to ensure affordable connectivity reaches families needing financial support, unveiling initiatives that promise to make a tangible impact this holiday season and thereafter.

Reaching Millions with Social Tariff Information
A pioneering move has been set in motion as over 5 million Virgin Media customers receive notifications within their monthly statements. These communications spotlight the 'Essential Broadband' and 'Essential Broadband Plus' - social tariffs tailored for benefit recipients. Such transparency from the company marks a first in the telecom industry, seeking to heighten awareness so eligible users, alongside their connections, can benefit from accessible digital services.

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Local Collaborations to Bolster Awareness
Elevating local partnership efforts, Virgin Media O2 is tapping into networks established by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and councils such as Slough, Bradford, and Telford and Wrekin. The goal is to magnify the visibility of cost-of-living support through these community ties, targeting those most in need.

From Storefronts to Digital Inclusion Hubs
O2 stores across the nation transform today, morphing into National Digital Inclusion Hubs that hand out 25GB of complimentary O2 data, alongside texts and calls, every month, to individuals in precarious situations. Working in tandem with Good Things Foundation's National Databank, and charities such as Crisis and Change Please – Driving for Change, the Databank's services extend over 1,600 UK locations, enhancing digital connectivity for the homeless this winter. Find a Hub near you.

Commitment to Further Customer Support with New Mobile Tariffs
Virgin Media O2 announces a future addition to their portfolio: a mobile social tariff set to debut next year. Intended to supplement an array of economically priced mobile offerings, this initiative primes to enhance support for consumers, in alignment with the telecom sector trends.

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A Word from COO Rob Orr

Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer at Virgin Media O2, states: "📢 Having pioneered one of the first broadband social tariffs back in 2020, we recognize the profound impact that budget-friendly connectivity can impart on lives. We're intensifying our efforts to disseminate information about available assistance.
We're inviting local government allies to disseminate facts on social tariffs through customer bills and localized collaborations. Our aim? Millions more discover Essential Broadband options offering economical broadband and entertainment to those financially strained."

Our dedication stretches beyond escalating support; we're vocalizing a request for a reformed, current digital inclusion strategy by the Government. Additionally, we're advocating for a VAT reduction on social tariffs, aligning them with other fundamental services," Orr continues.

Vital Call to Action for Government Response

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The telecom giant urges a modernization of the 9-year-old Digital Inclusion Strategy by the Government, insisting on a comprehensive, cross-industry framework to tackle affordability, access, and usage of digital services. Along with appealing for a VAT reduction on social tariffs, Virgin Media O2 envisions a landscape where:

1. Enhanced lifelong digital skills training extends beyond foundational usage,
2. Targeted efforts propel digital infrastructure development, including planning reforms and a 5G rural network scheme,
3. A reinforced second-hand device market is bolstered to make handsets accessible, reducing e-waste and fostering circularity.

Any reductions in the social tariff VAT will be passed on to consumers in full, so customers in need reap the total benefits.

Improving Affordability and Broadening Social Tariff Eligibility

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Since introducing a social tariff in 2020, Virgin Media O2 has worked on enriching its offerings. Last year saw a 16% cost reduction in Essential Broadband, bringing the price to a market-leading £12.50 per month. Additional perks include their 'Plus' tier with enhanced 50Mbps speeds, and the option to pair it with 'Stream,' an entertainment solution, for a nominal one-time fee.

Earlier this year, eligibility for these discounted services expanded, thanks to a new tool developed with the Department for Work and Pensions, bringing potential eligibility to 9 million UK residents. The uptake of Essential Broadband services has since surged by 285%, a testament to Virgin Media O2's commitment to accessible internet services.

As technology becomes ever-essential, Virgin Media O2 stands as a champion for digital inclusion, persistently driving towards a future where connectivity is within everyone's reach.

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