Virgin Media O2 launches £3m Tech Rehome Network Fund
September 8, 2026 12.44 Europe/London By Julian Clover


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

The initiative will provide an initial £500,000 to fund a small number of city-based projects in England, Scotland and Wales that strengthen local networks for recovering, refurbishing and redistributing smartphones, tablets and laptops. The company is inviting applications from councils, charities and community organisations, particularly in cities where existing device reuse schemes need funding to become sustainable.

The fund follows research commissioned by Virgin Media O2, which found that 61% of people do not know where they can donate unwanted technology, while 68% want to see more local technology reuse schemes.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Digital exclusion affects millions of people across the UK, yet our study shows the technology that could help tackle it is already sitting in homes and businesses across the country.

“Through the Tech Rehome Network Fund, we’re investing in trusted local organisations to build the networks cities need to keep devices in use for longer. By making it easier for households and businesses across cities to pass on unwanted technology, we can give devices a second life while helping more people get online.”

Digital Inclusion Minister Vicky Foxcroft welcomed the initiative, saying: “The costs of purchasing a phone, tablet or computer can be a major barrier to people getting themselves online. Through schemes like our IT Reuse for Good Charter, Government is setting the direction on getting unused devices in the hands of people who need them most, but we can’t do it alone.”

The fund forms part of Virgin Media O2’s Responsible Business Plan and its ambition to establish a culture of device reuse in 30 UK cities by 2030. It builds on the operator’s #CovConnects partnership with Coventry City Council, which refurbishes and redistributes donated devices from businesses and public sector organisations to digitally excluded residents.