National Databank

Virgin Media O2

Client: Good Things Foundation

Good Things Foundation - together with founding partner Virgin Media O2 - has developed the UK’s first ever National Databank, to combat the issue of data poverty and help vulnerable people in communities across the UK to get connected. Our ambition is to help 500,000 people who are cut off from the internet with a route out of data poverty. The databank brings free mobile internet data connectivity to people struggling to afford it - which is often those experiencing multiple inequalities in today’s society. Through the National Databank, free SIMs and mobile data (as well as talk minutes and texts) are donated by partners and distributed through Good Things Foundation’s partners in the Online Centres Network. The Network is unique as it is made up of thousands of grassroots organisations who are perfectly placed to both identify those in need and to support them with using the data. This approach ensures people aren’t cut off from the basic daily activities most people take for granted - like contacting loved ones, finding essential health information or accessing online learning.