For many of us, the internet is now a mainstay of our waking hours. Whether at work or play; home or out and about; on our phones, laptops or desktops, many millions of us are almost constantly connected – and we assume that it’s the same for everyone else.
But the reality is that for people experiencing poverty, digital access is a luxury, and when they have to go without it they are often left isolated and excluded from large parts of life. There needs to be considered and conscientious action to ensure that people who are struggling to get by can still be digitally connected. Keen to learn more? Here are five common digital poverty myths, busted …
Myth 1 – Everyone has internet access nowadays
According to the Digital Poverty Alliance, one in seven people in the UK (about 9.5 million) are in some form of digital poverty. It’s a silent crisis that’s on the rise. Ofcom’s 2023 Online Nation (pdf) report found a surprising 7% of British households have no internet access at home, with a million more at risk due to the cost of living crisis. Digital poverty (when people cannot access the internet and digital services when, where and how they choose to) can happen to people from all walks of life, but is particularly acute for those already at a disadvantage.
Vodafone has been working with the Trussell Trust to offer sim cards, providing free data and calls, to people classified as digitally excluded who are visiting food banks or calling Help through Hardship, a helpline that was established to help people who don’t 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. “About one in six people referred to a food bank have no access to the internet and less than half have access in their homes via a mobile network.” The charity is calling for all politicians to prioritise urgent reform of the social security system, so that people are always able to afford essentials, including the internet.
Myth 2 – Internet access is a luxury, not a necessity
What can seem like a minor inconvenience has the potential to touch every part of someone’s life. Approximately 92% of jobs are advertised only online, and one in three people say they’re better off because they can shop online, with access to lower prices and online deals.
“Digital exclusion exacerbates the hardship people face and makes it more difficult for them to access the support that could help to improve their situation,” says Revie. In fact, The Trussell Trust found a number of people had been sanctioned for not updating their online universal credit record because they were prioritising bills and food ahead of paying for the internet. At a time when the government has plans for “widespread digital transformation” across 50 of its 75 most used services by 2025, little thought, it seems, is being paid to the people who would be left behind if everything moves online.
At the Tottenham food bank in London, Eniola Akinlabi, its campaigns and communications manager, says the partnership with Vodafone has been transformational in some cases. “We’ve been able to connect people in a way that they weren’t connected before. I can think of a person who got 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 aged over 65 in the UK do not use the internet at home. To try and address some of the challenges older people face, the Vodafone Foundation teamed up with the charity Independent Age to launch Hi Digital, a free online resource helping over-65s develop digital skills.
One beneficiary, 77-year-old Yvonne de Burgo from Oxfordshire, says she still remembers her early steps with the internet. “When I first tried going online, I was nervous and made a few mistakes … now being online has opened up my whole world. It helps keep my brain active and stops me feeling lonely,” she says. “I can book doctor’s appointments, check my medical records and it helps me financially too. I can check for financial support I might be entitled to, compare energy deals and sell items I no longer need.”
Lack of digital skills is one of the factors feeding into the poverty trap. From research conducted by Thinks Insight and Strategy on behalf of Vodafone, John, in Leeds, was among those who received a pre-paid sim card and online skills training through Vodafone. He has several chronic health conditions that have made it difficult for him to maintain a job, and he has experienced housing insecurity for a number of years. He hasn’t always had money to top up his mobile phone data and doesn’t feel he has the requisite skills to use technology.
Since receiving the sim card, he’s 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 he can use Google Maps and look at live bus timetables. And he’s now able to bank and shop online, which is saving him time and money. “It helps when my anxiety is playing up as I don’t need to go to a big retail place if I’m not feeling well. My confidence has increased due to the freedom I now have,” he says.
Myth 4 – Anyone in the UK can access the internet
Geographical inequality is aggravating digital poverty, with remote areas – rural and coastal – facing poorer internet speeds and mobile signal coverage rates. Vodafone has found that nearly half (46%) of rural deprived areas are classed as 5G “not-spots” whereas that’s only the case for 2.7% of deprived communities in urban centres. Connectivity provides work opportunities, education and access to next-generation technologies, so not having it severely limits horizons. As a result of the Shared Rural Network joint initiative, 250 rural locations across the UK are now receiving Vodafone 4G through new mobile phone masts, meaning faster and more reliable data speeds.
Myth 5 – There are no real consequences to digital poverty
In fact, digital poverty can have far-reaching consequences. Research by Vodafone has found that over-65s who are not comfortable using the internet could be spending 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 the GP’s website.
Exclusion also has an impact on mental health and wellbeing – in a survey of those with experience of digital poverty, 41% reported feeling stressed, and 31% felt isolated.
So far, Vodafone has assisted 2.6 million people and businesses with free connectivity, devices and digital training.
