Even people who are experts in teaching digital skills can feel uncertain about how to help people with their data connectivity. The bad news is that many people don’t know about this support.įinding the best broadband or mobile deal isn’t easy … especially if you have limited digital skills or limited budgets or insecure work.Īnd it isn’t easy for community organisations and charities to know how to help. The good news is that there is support to address data poverty. Data poverty exists when people cannot afford enough mobile or broadband data to meet their essential needs. Not being able to afford data (we call this data poverty) is one reason why some people don’t use the internet at all, or only for a few things.ĭata poverty is only one part of digital exclusion.

This is likely to increase as the cost of living crisis deepens. Around 2 million people may struggle to pay for broadband and mobile data bills (Ofcom 2022). Internet access is now essential in everyday life – so not being able to afford it is a big problem for individuals, families and communities. Find out how to be safe online when using public WiFi.įurther resources for more support and information across the UK.Ī handy list of digital jargon and definitions that you can use with people you support. Public WiFi is useful but can lack security. What is free broadband for job seekers and how can people access it? What is the National Databank and how can people access it?įree broadband for jobseekers through Jobcentre Plus What are social tariffs and how can people access them? Promoting social tariffs for fixed broadband What does a ‘good solution’ to data poverty look like? A framework to open up conversations on data poverty.īy understanding data usage and the impact of different internet speeds, you can support people to find the best solution.įind out what to consider when supporting people to choose a router and internet package that suits their needs. Think about how your organisation can support people to stay connected.

Why is support with connectivity important and how can this guide help you to provide that support?

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