Virgin Media O2 is dishing out free O2 SIMs and data vouchers for all Big Issue vendors in the UK.

The telecoms giant said that last year O2 gave more than 200 Big Issue vendors free data plans which enabled them to take contactless payments.

The move is part of the company's wider commitment to tackle data poverty.

“We are delighted to be continuing our invaluable work with Virgin Media O2, following its successful launch last year of the National Databank," said Russell Blackman, Big Issue's manging director of commercial. "By extending this opportunity out to all Big Issue vendors, it will enable and empower them to boost their sales through cashless payments at this vital time of year, as well as being able to access essential online services."

Earlier this month, Virgin Media O2 announced it was trialling 'databanks' which provide free mobile data, texts, and calls for struggling consumers in a number of O2 stores in the UK.

The National Databank, founded by Virgin and digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation, is based on the same concept as a foodbank but instead provides free internet and calls for those in financial difficulty.

Virgin, which is trialling the new concept across 10 High Street stores, has pledged around 61 million GB of free O2 data for the initiative by the end of 2025.

“This year we wanted our Christmas campaign to not only help raise awareness of the support available via the National Databank, but to get data into the hands of those facing an unconnected Christmas,” said Gareth Turpin, chief commercial officer, Virgin Media O2. “As part of this, we’re proud to be partnering with the Big Issue for the second year in a row to offer all vendors access to free mobile data each month. "

"We know from the success of last year that this connectivity is crucial to facilitating mobile payments in an increasingly cashless society as well as helping vendors to stay connected to loved ones and get access to key services.”

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