Virgin Media O2 Launches New Mobile Plan to Support Low-Income Customers
Virgin Media O2 has introduced a new mobile plan aimed at helping people on low incomes stay connected. The O2 Essential Plan is now available to new and existing customers who receive certain government benefits, offering 10GB of data along with unlimited calls and texts for just £10 per month.
Affordable Connectivity for Those in Need
This plan is designed to provide affordable connectivity without the worry of activation fees, exit charges, or unexpected price changes as long as customers continue to receive benefits. The O2 Essential Plan is available to individuals receiving any of the following support payments:
- Income-based Employment Support Allowance (I-ESA)
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (I-JSA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit (PC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
Added Benefits with the O2 Essential Plan
In addition to the low-cost plan, customers can also enjoy the perks of Priority from O2, which offers over £200 in extra value compared to other mobile operators. This includes access to exclusive rewards, experiences, and the opportunity to purchase concert tickets 48 hours before they go on general sale. Additionally, customers will benefit from inclusive EU roaming as part of the package.
Tackling Digital Exclusion
The launch of the O2 Essential Plan is part of Virgin Media O2’s broader efforts to improve digital inclusion across the UK. The company aims to connect one million digitally excluded people through free and affordable connectivity services. This initiative aligns with the government’s goal to address digital poverty, which affects 2.6 million UK households struggling to afford their mobile phone service, according to recent Ofcom data.
Ongoing Support for Low-Income Households
Virgin Media O2 already offers several measures to support customers experiencing financial difficulties. These include the Essential Broadband and Essential Broadband Plus plans, which provide affordable and reliable internet services to benefit recipients. The Essential Broadband plan offers 15Mbps speeds for £12.50 per month, while the Essential Broadband Plus plan provides 54Mbps for £20 per month. Both plans come with no fixed-term contracts or price increases for customers on benefits.
Customers who opt for Essential Broadband Plus can also add Virgin Media O2’s Stream entertainment product for a one-off fee of £20, a significant discount from the usual £35 charge. Stream allows users to access live TV, on-demand apps, popular streaming services, and movies all in one place, with the option to receive 10% credit back on subscriptions added through their Virgin Media bill.
Supporting Access to Data and Devices
Virgin Media O2 also co-founded the National Databank in partnership with the Good Things Foundation. The National Databank offers free O2 mobile data, texts, and calls to those in need. Individuals can receive 25GB of free O2 mobile data per month for up to 12 months through the National Databank’s network of hubs, including O2 retail stores.
Moreover, the Talk Protected Plan provides fixed prices for elderly and disabled customers who rely solely on landlines, along with inclusive evening and weekend calls. The company’s Community Calling initiative, in collaboration with the environmental charity Hubbub, has also rehomed 20,000 smartphones to people in need across the UK.
Learn More and Apply
For those interested in the O2 Essential Plan, more information, eligibility details, and application processes are available here.
