People struggling with the cost of living crisis and those who are on Universal Credit are being offered extra support from Virgin Media and O2.
Customers of the providers will be able to access a number of expanded services which aim to help those in need.
Customers of both O2 and Virgin Mobile will be able to access the National Debtline, Business Debtline, Turn2us, Debt Advice Foundation and National Energy Action without using any of their mobile data. They join existing zero-rated websites such as Citizens Advice, Money Advice Service and debt charity, Step Change, all of which provide a range of impartial and trusted advice to individuals struggling with debt or to manage their finances.
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, new research for Virgin Media O2 reveals that nearly two thirds (64%) of low-income households say they have worried about running out of data in the past three months, with half (50%) saying they could not afford to buy more if they ran out. Ofcom estimates that data poverty is an issue for around two million households in the UK.
READ MORE: Virgin Media launch mega-sale with discounts on SIMs, devices and bundles
The operator is stepping up efforts to support families and businesses struggling with their finances due to the current economic climate. Virgin Media launched a broadband package for those facing financial difficulty and receiving Universal Credit.
Launched in November 2020, Essential Broadband costs just £15 a month and offers speeds of 15Mbps. The plan has no fixed-term contract length and no price changes while Universal Credit payments are being received. Other operators have since followed suit and introduced similar social tariffs.
The company also provides a fixed price landline only service which provides inclusive evening and weekend calls and keeps prices fixed for phone-only customers who are over the age of 65 or those who have additional accessibility needs.
Following an industry summit at No 10 Downing Street last month, Virgin Media O2, alongside other providers, also committed to a package of measures to help customers who can no longer afford their bills to stay connected. This includes treating customers struggling with the cost-of-living with compassion, protecting vulnerable customers and offering them ways to stay connected.
Gareth Turpin, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We are committed to supporting all our customers and the communities we serve through the cost-of-living crisis. We’ve already put in place comprehensive support measures for those hit hardest, set up a foodbank for mobile data to tackle digital exclusion and provide our customers with great value services every day as we continue to keep the country connected.
“Through further expanding our zero-rated list, we’re making sure all of our customers can easily access help and advice at a time when they may need it most.”
READ NEXT:
