Digital inequality
The pandemic has accelerated the integration and significance of online connectivity in our day to day to lives however the accessibility and assembly of the necessary infrastructure trails behind. As a result, digital poverty is becoming more prevalent and a key focus for governing bodies alike.
In a study conducted by the UK’s independent communications regulator Ofcom, it was found that at least 6% (1.2m people) of the population remains without internet access. The most affected demographic includes those aged 65+ followed by those who are financially vulnerable. Of the 1.2 million people without internet access, 37% attribute this to a lack of equipment; A barrier which is inherently linked to wider social and economic inequalities.