The Data Poverty Lab
We set up the Data Poverty Lab with Nominet in 2021 to find sustainable solutions to data poverty. Together, we want to make the internet affordable for people on low incomes and free for people on very low incomes.
What is the Data Poverty Lab?
The internet is essential. It enables work, friendships, healthcare and more.
But for too many people, it is unaffordable, with two million people struggling to afford their internet access (Ofcom, 2022).
As the cost-of-living crisis bites and people prioritise energy and food, there is a real risk that people will be forced offline.
We set up the Data Poverty Lab with Nominet in 2021 to find sustainable solutions to data poverty.
Together, we want to make the internet affordable for people on low incomes and free for people on very low incomes.
What we're doing to make the internet more affordable
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National Databank
The National Databank is providing free data to 500,000 people in need via Good Things Foundation’s network of community partners, in partnership with Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three.
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Supporting people with data connectivity (Broadband and mobile data)
This guide is for charities, community groups and organisations which reach and support people who are struggling to afford the internet because of poverty and the cost of living. It is especially for organisations which are not specialist providers of debt or money advice.
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Data Poverty Lab Fellowship
Nominet and Good Things Foundation are supporting the Data Poverty Lab Fellowship scheme to explore sustainable solutions to data poverty.
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The Data Poverty Lab has built the foundations which will tackle unaffordable internet in the UK. We’ve done this by:
- Developing the UK’s first National Databank, supported by Virgin Media O2;
- Launching the Data Poverty Lab Fellowships scheme – to stimulate fresh thinking, advocacy and action on data poverty;
- Partnering with APLE Collective to co-design solutions with people with lived experience of data poverty;
- Supporting the APPG on Data Poverty for immediate policy action;
- Engaging senior leaders in national, regional, and local government.
Our insights
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A periodic table of internet elements
A free resource to show how internet access is elemental to daily living in the UK, produced by Kat Dixon
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CHESS: Co-defining what counts as a ‘good’ solution to data poverty
Our Policy and Research Officer, Tom McGrath, presents our findings from the Data Poverty Lab about what makes a 'good' solution to data poverty.
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Towards solving data poverty
In this long read, our Director of Evidence and Engagement, Dr. Emma Stone, sets out the thinking which has shaped our approach to the Data Poverty Lab.
Building a Minimum Digital Living Standard
What is the basic ‘basket’ of digital goods, services and skills that different households need in the UK to live in a digital world? In 2021, the Nuffield Foundation awarded a research grant for a ‘proof of concept’ study to establish a benchmark for a Minimum Digital Living Standard for households – starting with urban households with children.
The project is led by the University of Liverpool with Loughborough University, City University, Critical Research and Good Things Foundation. And, in Wales with funding from the Welsh Government, with Cwmpas and Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales to support research into a Minimum Digital Living Standard for Wales. Nominet is providing additional funding so young people’s perspectives are included.
Read more from the Data Poverty Lab
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Meet me where I am: speaking the language of offline citizens
Kat Dixon is a research fellow with the Data Poverty Lab. Over three months, she’s investigating community-led initiatives which enable good access to the internet for people experiencing...
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Library internet access: is this a 20th Century solution to a 21st Century problem?
Kat Dixon is a research fellow with the Data Poverty Lab. Over three months, she’s investigating community-led initiatives which enable good access to the internet for people experiencing...
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Data Poverty Lab Fellowship
Nominet and Good Things Foundation are supporting the Data Poverty Lab Fellowship scheme to explore sustainable solutions to data poverty.
Partners

Nominet