The cost of technology

There are various causes of digital exclusion. People in certain rural areas lack the appropriate infrastructure. Some do not have access to the necessary skills. People with disabilities can be excluded by the design of devices.

But for many, it’s far simpler: it’s about money. Consider, for example, that 2.9 billion people worldwide face digital exclusion. And 96% of those live in developing countries. In 2022, 28% of people in the UK reduced or cancelled digital bills.

In 2023, a million people cut back or cancelled Internet packages to save money. And many more cannot afford the costs of the hardware needed for access. Simply put, many people in the UK and beyond cannot afford to be online. 

In this video, we look at how charities work to bridge the economic and digital divide.

Resources:

• Everything you need to know about digital inclusion
• The best digital inclusion resources for people and organisations
• Podcast: How to be digitally inclusive
• Digital Inclusion Hub
• Good Things Foundation
• Digital Poverty Alliance