Currys is proud to announce that, starting this month, a proportion of every online sale of refurbished tech, across its mobile and computing categories1 will go towards those living in digital poverty.
Currys is not only on a mission to give technology a longer life, but also, to help eradicate digital poverty by 2030.
Donating £1 of every refurbished phone or laptop sale online to the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) marks yet another step in Currys’ efforts to support the 1 in 5 children living in digital poverty2.
This comes following the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s newly published Digital Inclusion Action Plan, fully commended by Currys3.
As one of the Digital Poverty Alliance’s founding partners, Currys already works closely with the DPA through its Tech4Families scheme – which helps vulnerable families in need by providing life-changing access to digital technology. So far, over 1,800 families have been provided a laptop via the initiative, thanks to the kindness of Currys customers.
The £1 donation will be applied to purchases across Currys.co.uk and Currys Business5 refurbished mobiles and laptops, and refurbished phones from iD Mobile6, Mobiles.co.uk and Carphone Warehouse.
The announcement follows recent research from Currys MVNO6, iD Mobile, revealing that 83 percent of Brits believe new smartphones are too expensive, while currently less than half of Brits are willing to buy a second-hand or refurbished phone7.
This unwillingness to opt for a refurbished device is often due to concerns with poor battery life and limited or lack of warranty. Currys and iD Mobile are keen to change the nation’s relationship with tech, offering 12-month warranty-assured products, phones refurbished to an excellent like-new condition, and starting this month, with any sale, £1 being donated to those living in digital poverty.
“We are thrilled to see the convergence of two of our strategic priorities: promoting the use of refurbished technology and raising funds to help tackle digital poverty. By supporting this cause, we are giving tech a longer life and also ensuring that more families have access to the tech they need. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made and look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have,” said Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer at Currys.
“We are so grateful for Currys’ support with this new proposition. The funds raised will make a significant difference in our efforts to provide digital access to those who need it most. This partnership is a perfect example of how businesses can help bridge the digital divide whilst also promoting sustainability,” said Elizabeth Anderson, CEO at the Digital Poverty Alliance.
“Digital services are an integral part of life in modern Britain and should be easily accessible to all, whether that is speaking to a GP remotely or finding the best value insurance. Only last month, we set out our Digital Inclusion Action Plan to ensure we take everyone along on the digital revolution we are undergoing. Currys’ approach to tackling digital poverty is a fantastic example of how industry can help us deliver on this mission – giving everyone the access, confidence, and skills to thrive in modern Britain,” said Sir Chris Bryant, Telecoms Minister.
1This includes mobile and computing
2Digital Divide Remains with Kids Reliant on Smartphones to Study | Currys PLC
3Currys Commends Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan | Currys PLC
5iD Mobile goes live later this month
6Mobile Virtual Network Operator
7Research commissioned by iD Mobile
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February 2025 issue
2024 A1 Buyers Guide
