VMO2 Business has expanded its digital inclusion programme in Reading, with the town’s residents found to be at a severe disadvantage when accessing online services.
Across Reading, 18,800 people are found to suffer from a high rate of digital inaccessibility, according to Frimley ICS System Insights.
VMO2’s Connect More programme works with the Borough Council and Get Online Reading to boost the town’s digital skills.
The programme leans on the company’s network of public sector customers to identify local community organisations that can help volunteers.
Over 20 Reading-based employees have completed digital champion training through social enterprise Digital Unite.
VMO2 Business plans to extend the programme to other areas across the country.
Kiki Zhang, Virgin Media O2 Business employee and Connect More Reading volunteer, said: “Seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of the women we have worked with made me realise how fortunate we are to have access to these IT skills and tools, and how many people are still unaware of the benefits they can provide.”