Virgin Media O2 Launches £3m Tech Rehome Network Fund

Virgin Media O2 has launched a £3 million Tech Rehome Network Fund to support local schemes that recover, refurbish and redistribute unwanted digital devices, helping tackle digital exclusion and electronic waste across the UK.

The initiative follows research commissioned by Virgin Media O2 which estimates that around 460 million unused digital devices are sitting in UK homes and businesses. Almost six in 10 of these, equivalent to around 267 million smartphones, tablets and laptops, are estimated to be suitable for reuse or repair. Meanwhile, around 1.5 million people in the UK do not have access to a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

The first £500,000 funding round will support a small number of projects across England, Scotland and Wales. Councils, charities and community organisations can apply to develop or strengthen local networks for device donation, refurbishment and redistribution.

The research also found that 61% of people do not know where they can donate unwanted technology, while 68% would like to see more local technology reuse schemes. However, 90% of people said they would donate an unwanted device if they knew it would help someone in need.

Virgin Media O2 aims to establish a culture of device reuse across 30 UK cities by 2030. The fund builds on its existing partnership with Coventry City Council through #CovConnects, which refurbishes and redistributes donated devices to people experiencing digital exclusion.

The initiative forms part of Virgin Media O2’s Responsible Business Plan and highlights the potential for device reuse to address both digital inclusion and the environmental impact of electronic waste, while extending the useful life of existing technology.