Cellnex: Supporting Tech Reuse to Fight UK Digital Exclusion

Cellnex UK partners with Freestyle-TS, Reconome and Good Things Foundation to reuse old IT equipment and improve access to digital services across the country. 

Through the collaboration, 325 devices have already been repurposed, 737kg of electronic waste diverted from landfill and 75 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided. According to the partners, it is equal to the carbon captured by more than 3,400 trees in a year.

The repurposed laptops, tablets and smartphones are now part of the National Device Bank – a Good Things Foundation initiative that provides refurbished technology to people facing digital exclusion. 

With many still lacking access to basic devices, the aim is to close the gap and reduce environmental impact at the same time.

Gianluca Landolina, Chief Executive of Cellnex UK, says: “At Cellnex UK, we believe that access to technology is a fundamental right, not a privilege. 

“Yet, 1.5 million people in the UK currently lack access to a basic laptop, tablet or smartphone. 

“That’s why we are committed to giving our used tech a second life – reducing e-waste and helping to bridge the digital divide.

“We are honoured to play our part in making a tangible difference to communities along with our IT partner, Freestyle-TS. By contributing our used devices to Recomone and Good Things Foundation’s National Device Bank, we’re ensuring that technology is not wasted but instead is supporting those who need it most.”

Linking social impact with sustainable telco practices

The devices contributed by Cellnex are sent to Reconome, which manages the refurbishment process.

Each piece of equipment is wiped, restored and made ready for reuse, then distributed through the National Device Bank to people in need.

The partnership supports both environmental and social aims. By extending the life of equipment that might otherwise be discarded, it prevents harmful waste and enables broader digital access across the UK.

Additionally, for telcos like Cellnex, the approach supports wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets around responsible IT asset management.

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, says: “We’re thrilled to welcome Cellnex as a partner in our mission to fix the digital divide. 

“By contributing 325 devices to the National Device Bank, they are directly enabling people to get online and improve their lives.

“It’s fantastic to see businesses embracing sustainable IT asset disposal while making a meaningful social impact.”

The National Device Bank focuses on reaching people who are digitally excluded – individuals who do not have reliable access to the internet or to basic technology. 

Telco role in circular economy and e-waste reduction

Reconome handles the technical refurbishment, supporting a circular economy approach where products are reused instead of discarded. 

Its process ensures the devices meet safety and usability standards before being passed on.

Access to a refurbished laptop or smartphone can help them apply for jobs, take online courses, connect with essential services or stay in touch with family.

Nick Rawkins, Chief Executive of Reconome, says: “Our partnership with Cellnex and Good Things Foundation exemplifies successful outcomes: helping to bridge the digital exclusion gap, whilst delivering measurable environmental benefits. 

“We welcome valuable partnerships like this to unlock new opportunities for those who need them most, while cutting carbon and alleviating the footprint we have as organisations.”

The collaboration forms part of Cellnex UK’s wider ESG strategy. It joins other initiatives focused on improving digital inclusion and reducing environmental impact across its infrastructure operations. 

As a neutral host provider supporting mobile and connectivity networks, Cellnex handles large volumes of equipment and sees IT reuse as a practical step toward sustainable operations.

Cellnex is an official signatory of the IT Reuse for Good Charter. The charter, created by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), encourages UK organisations to donate used tech to people facing digital exclusion. 

Alongside Good Things Foundation, Vodafone, Three and Deloitte, Cellnex is one of the first 100 signatories.

Supporting access to connectivity across the UK

With 1.5 million people still lacking digital access in the UK, telco infrastructure providers are playing a wider role in tackling the issue beyond just expanding networks. 

The partnership between Cellnex, Reconome and Good Things Foundation shows how sustainable IT reuse can support long-term inclusion.

Refurbished devices will now be delivered across the UK through the National Device Bank. These donations may help someone write a CV, enrol in an online course or reconnect with family. Each reused device offers the potential to transform daily life.

For Cellnex and its partners, the goal remains clear – to connect more people, reduce waste and support a more inclusive digital society.