Data poverty and devices
2 million households in the UK struggle to afford their internet bills (Ofcom, 2021).
1 in 6 broadband customers – people who are already online – struggled to pay their bill between March 2020 and January 2021 (Citizens Advice, 2021).
61% of adults agree that internet access should be recognised as an essential utility (Ipsos Mori for Good Things Foundation, 2020).
They’re cut off from loved ones. They’re locked out of vital services like online food shopping and banking. Many can’t get access to vital government information meaning physical safety is a concern too.
We can’t assume people with the internet and an old device know how to use them. Even when people have access to these things, they may not have the skills to enable them to access vital services and support. For example, downloading an app to have a GP consultation or to speak to their loved ones.
Our ambition is to get 100,000 of the most vulnerable people online.
We urgently need companies to donate emergency funding to purchase devices like smartphones and tablets, or connectivity through SIM cards and dongles.
Find out how you can supportRelated news and insights
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Data poverty can be solved – if we work together
Bringing industry, government, and civil society together is critical if we want to tackle this challenge, writes our Policy and Research Officer, Tom McGrath.
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Playing chess – how do we end data poverty?
Our Policy and Research Officer, Tom McGrath, provides an update on our work to end data poverty through the Data Poverty Lab.
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What DevicesDotNow has taught us during Covid-19
An insight into how receiving a device has equipped members of our communities to protect and care for themselves during Covid-19.
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