Virgin Media O2 Responsible Business Plan Supports Digital Inclusion and ESG Strategy
Virgin Media O2 is pledging to support 500,000 low-income households to stay connected as part of its new Responsible Business Plan, a refreshed ESG strategy designed to embed sustainability and social value across its operations.
The initiative embeds environmental, social and governance priorities across every area of the business, spanning network design, operations, customer services, and product lifecycle impact. It aims to reduce environmental footprint, expand access to connectivity, improve digital safety, and extend the life of technology.
The company also highlighted progress under its 2022–2025 Better Connections Plan, which helped reduce digital exclusion, increased device reuse, and supported its pathway to net zero by 2040.
Under the new strategy, Virgin Media O2 outlines four pillars: Climate, Connection, Control, and Circularity. Each pillar includes measurable targets focused on decarbonisation, digital inclusion, online safety, and circular economy growth.
CEO Lutz Schüler said the Responsible Business Plan is embedded in all decision making, from customer experience to product development and sustainability commitments. He added the company is committed to helping low-income households stay connected, reducing carbon emissions, and extending device lifecycles.
The Connection pillar focuses on expanding affordable broadband and mobile offers, alongside partnerships with Good Things Foundation and Hubbub to bridge the digital divide.
Through programmes such as the National Databank and Community Calling, devices and data are redistributed to people in need.
The Control pillar strengthens online safety measures, including fraud prevention tools and collaboration with Internet Matters and Stop Scams UK to protect customers from cybercrime.
The Circularity pillar promotes device reuse, refurbishment, and recycling, reinforcing the principle that every device should live twice. It also builds on partnerships with local authorities such as Coventry City Council to expand reuse programmes across UK cities.
The operator said its Better Connections Plan has supported through affordable access digital skills training and device recycling programmes reinforcing long-term inclusive growth across the UK.