Virgin Media O2 has launched a new mobile plan to help people on low incomes stay connected.

The O2 Essential Plan, available to new and existing customers who receive certain benefit payments, offers 10GB of mobile data plus unlimited calls and texts for £10 per month.

The plan is available as a 30-day rolling contract with no activation or exit fees, and the price remains unchanged as long as customers continue to receive benefit payments.

Christian Hindennach, chief commercial officer at Virgin Media O2, commented: “Virgin Media O2 is proud to offer a range of comprehensive measures to help people on low incomes to get online and stay in touch with loved ones.”

The provider’s Essential Plan is available for people who receive certain Government support payments, including Income-based Employment Support Allowance (I-ESA), Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (I-JSA), Income Support (IS), Pension Credit (PC) or Universal Credit (UC).

Customers can also access Priority from O2 and enjoy exclusive rewards and experiences, as well as inclusive EU Roaming as standard. People can find out more about the Essential Plan, see if they are eligible and apply here.

Mr Hindennach continued: “While we know mobile connectivity in the UK is already very affordable, the launch of the O2 Essential Plan builds on our wide range of existing support for people experiencing financial difficulties.

“This includes our broadband plan for people receiving support payments, the National Databank providing free mobile data for people in need, and our Community Calling scheme which rehomes smartphones with people who need them.”

Virgin Media O2, in partnership with the digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation, founded the National Databank. Described as a "food bank" for connectivity, the National Databank provides free O2 mobile data, texts, and calls to those in need.

Those who access the National Databank can receive 25GB of free O2 mobile data per month for up to 12 months.

The data is available through a network of thousands of National Databank Hubs across the country, including O2 retail stores. People can find their nearest National Databank Hub here.

Virgin Media O2’s social tariffs, Essential Broadband and Essential Broadband Plus, are also available on the network provider for those who receive benefit payments.

Essential Broadband offers speeds of 15Mbps and costs £12.50 per month, while Essential Broadband Plus provides 54Mbps broadband for £20 a month. Both plans have no fixed-term contract length and no price changes for customers on either plan while benefit payments are being received.