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For many of us, the Internet is now a mainstay of our waking hours. Whether at work or play, at home or away, on our phones, laptops or desktop computers, many millions of us are connected almost constantly – and we assume that everyone else is too.
But the reality is that for people living in poverty, digital access is a luxury, and when they have to go without it, they are often isolated and excluded from much of life. Thoughtful thought and action is needed to ensure that people struggling to get by can stay digitally connected. Want to find out more? Here are five common myths about digital poverty debunked…
Myth 1: Today everyone has access to the Internet
According to the Alliance against Digital PovertyOne in seven people in the UK (around 9.5 million) are in some form of digital poverty. It is a silent crisis that is growing. Ofcom report for 2023 Nation online (pdf) The report found that a shocking 7% of British households have no internet access at home, with a Millions more at risk due to the cost of living crisis. Digital poverty (when people are unable to access the internet and digital services when, where and how they choose) can affect people from all walks of life, but is particularly acute for those who are already disadvantaged.
Vodafone has been working with the Trussell Trust to offer SIM cards, which provide free data and calls, to people classed as digitally excluded who visit food banks or call Help in difficult timesa helpline that was created to help people who do not have enough money for essentials.
“We know that poverty is leaving large numbers of people digitally excluded,” says Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust. “Around one in six people referred to a food bank do not have access to the internet and less than half have access at home via a mobile network.” The charity is Calling all politicians prioritize urgent reform of the social security system, so that people can always afford the essentials, including the Internet.
Myth 2: Internet access is a luxury, not a necessity
What may seem like a minor inconvenience has the potential to affect every aspect of a person’s life. 92% of jobs are advertised solely onlineand One in three people They say they are better off because they can shop online, with access to lower prices and online deals.
““Digital exclusion exacerbates the difficulties people face and makes it harder for them to access support that could help improve their situation,” says Revie. In fact, The Trussell Trust found that several people had been sanctioned for not updating their universal credit history online because they prioritized bills and food over paying for the internet. At a time when the government has plans to “Widespread digital transformation” In 50 of its top 75 services for 2025, little attention appears to be paid to the people who would be left behind if everything moved online.
Eniola Akinlabi, campaigns and communications manager at Tottenham Foodbank in London, says the partnership with Vodafone has been transformative in some cases. “We’ve been able to connect people in a way they weren’t before. I remember one person who received a SIM card from us, used it to apply for jobs and got a job.”
Myth 3: Older people don’t need the Internet
In fact, according to research, age remains one of the most significant indicators of digital exclusion. Almost a third (31%) of people over 65 years of age In the UK, the internet is not used at home. To try and address some of the challenges faced by older people, the Vodafone Foundation has partnered with charity Independent Age to launch Hello digitala free online resource that helps people aged 65+ develop digital skills.
One beneficiary, Yvonne de Burgo, aged 77, from Oxfordshire, says she still remembers her first steps online. “When I first tried to go online I was nervous and made a few mistakes… now being online has opened up a whole world for me. It helps me keep my brain active and stops me feeling lonely,” she says. “I can make doctor’s appointments, check my medical records and it also helps me financially. I can check if I’m eligible for financial help, compare energy deals and sell items I no longer need.”
Lack of digital skills is one of the factors fueling the poverty trap. investigation In a project carried out by Thinks Insight and Strategy on behalf of Vodafone, John, from Leeds, was among those who received a prepaid SIM card and online skills training through Vodafone. He has several chronic illnesses which have made it difficult for him to hold down a job and has experienced housing insecurity for a number of years. He has not always had money to top up his mobile phone data and does not believe he has the skills required to use technology.
Since receiving the SIM card, he has been able to repurpose the £30 a month he would have spent on his phone bill to pay for food. He feels more empowered to get around now that he can use Google Maps and check bus times in real time. And he can now bank and shop online, saving him time and money. “It helps me when I’m plagued by anxiety as I don’t need to go to a big shop if I’m not feeling well. My confidence has increased because of the freedom I now have,” he says.
Myth 4: Anyone in the UK can access the Internet
Geographic inequality is exacerbating digital poverty, with remote areas (rural and coastal) having lower internet speeds and mobile signal coverage rates. Vodafone has found that almost half (46%) of disadvantaged rural areas are Classified as “unsuitable for 5G” whereas this is only the case for 2.7% of disadvantaged communities in urban centres. Connectivity offers opportunities for work, education and access to cutting-edge technologies, so not having it severely limits one’s horizons. Shared Rural Network Thanks to a joint initiative, 250 rural towns across the UK are now receiving Vodafone 4G via new mobile phone masts, meaning faster and more reliable data speeds.
Myth 5: Digital poverty has no real consequences
In fact, digital poverty can have far-reaching consequences. Vodafone Research has found that people aged 65 and over who are not comfortable using the internet could spend almost £1,000 extra each year, and 34% of people are more likely to feel stressed when services require some online interaction, such as booking a doctor’s appointment on their GP’s website.
Exclusion also has an impact on mental health and well-being, in a survey Of those experiencing digital poverty, 41% reported feeling stressed and 31% felt isolated.
To date, Vodafone has supported 2.6 million people and businesses with free digital connectivity, devices and training.
