Virgin Media O2 expands its O2 Recycle initiative to include gaming consoles, enabling gamers to exchange their old PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch consoles for cash.
The updated program now directly pays users' bank accounts for eligible consoles, offering up to £280 ($356) depending on the model and condition, according to The Sun. This Virgin Media O2 initiative aims to reduce electronic waste by refurbishing or recycling received devices.
Additionally, MacBook owners can trade in their old laptops, potentially earning over £1,200 ($1,527), while phones like the 128GB iPhone 12 could fetch users £210 ($267) if in excellent condition.
Virgin Media O2 Chief Sustainability Officer Dana Haidan stated their efforts have boosted the O2 Recycle program "to cover consoles and MacBooks, making it even easier for people to trade in their unwanted tech for cash and to protect the planet by saving their device from landfill."
Scott Butler, Executive Director of Recycle Your Electricals, advised people to use O2 Recycle to turn in their old electronics for cash. Virgin Media O2 research identified millions of underused phones and tablets in British households.
A detailed view of an Xbox One controller during day one of the 2019 ePremier League Finals at Gfinity Arena on March 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo : Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
The following is the breakdown of some current O2 Recycle prices:
- PlayStation 5: Up to £280 ($356)
- PlayStation 4: Up to £102 ($129)
- Nintendo Switch: Up to £110 ($140)
- Xbox One: Up to £40 ($50)
- Xbox Series X: Up to £230 ($292)
Minimize Trash, Earn Cash
This strategy follows Virgin Media O2's announcement last month of plans to establish a separate entity for its cable and fiber network, serving 16 million homes, to compete more effectively with BT Openreach, the leading provider in the British market, per Reuters.
Jointly owned by Liberty Global and Telefonica, Virgin Media O2 holds the second-largest network in the UK. It is utilized by broadband companies like Sky, TalkTalk, and Vodafone, along with BT's consumer base. This restructuring aims to support Virgin Media's initiative to upgrade all customers to fiber and potentially open avenues for wholesale partnerships.
The move is seen as a strategic shift by Liberty Global's Chief Executive, Mike Fries, who anticipates potential consolidation opportunities in the fiber market, especially amid the rise of smaller firms termed "altnets." However, the mobile network will remain separate from this new venture. Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2, sees this as a confirmation of their fiber plan and a move to confront Openreach. The transition should finish in the first half of 2025.
Utilizing Tech to Improve Emergency Services
Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 and Warwickshire Search & Rescue run an innovative life-saving effort. Through a 5G-connected drone, they aim to enhance communication in remote areas, aiding rescue operations. Warwickshire Search and Rescue is the first to trial this technology.
According to its website, Virgin Media O2's 5G Technical Trials team devised a solution using low-earth orbit satellites in rural regions like Warwickshire, where traditional mobile networks often fail, posing challenges for emergency services. The drone acts as a mobile phone mast, providing rescue teams with 5G connectivity, facilitating quick access to crucial information, and aiding in swift rescue efforts.
