Vodafone Great British Tech Appeal Will Redistribute 10k Phones and Tablets to Those in 'Digital Poverty'

Vodafone is has announced that it's partnering with Barnardo's for the Great British Tech Appeal, to get 10,000 phones and tablets to the people that need them most.

Similar to O2's Commuinty Calling  scheme, the appeal is relying on people to donate the smartphones and tablets they have lying around the house. There's estimated to be a whopping 40 million unused electronic gadgets kicking about in homes across the UK, with almost half of households sitting on five unused devices. So if that's you, and you've got a few gadgets gathering dust, you can donate to the Great British Tech Appeal.

Donated doodads will go to disadvantaged children, families, and the charity workers supporting them, with Vodafone covering all p&p costs as well as throwing in three months "free connectivity" - whatever that equates to mins, texts, and data - for every device given out.

The scale of the effort is pretty big - especially compared to O2, with its trial period aiming to get 800 refurbished smartphones into the hands of the 'digitally disconnected' in Southwark, London. Vodafone lays it on a bit thicker, describing the 'digital poverty' that around 700,000 children and young people are living in, "without access to a device or connectivity at home."

The campaign is running for six weeks, and needs to get 10,000 donated devices in that time, so if you want to help, visit the website and fill out a short form to get yourself a donation kit that includes a flat freepost box and pre-paid returns envelope. You can chuck it in the post box or nip to the post office to send it off when you're done. Vodafone UK CEO Nick Jeffery said:

“Our focus throughout this crisis has been Keeping the UK Connected. We’ve provided tech support to our charity partners and the vulnerable people they care for; and across the UK, our teams have been working flat out to bring NHS hospitals, front line staff and emergency services the connectivity they need to do their amazing work.

"However, we know that many thousands of children and families still can’t access learning or essential support because they don’t have the devices or connectivity they need. The Great British Tech Appeal relies on the generosity of the public and we call on them to get behind this appeal. Your old phone or tablet really could change a life.”

Vodafone has done a tremendous amount to help out during the pandemic, with its unlimited data offer for vulnerable customers, NHS staff, and care workers being extended for six months. If you're a Vodafone customer and fall into that category, you have until June 6 to apply.