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17m Brits still not connected
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Digital inclusion strategy to get the UK connected
Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk
A plan to get the remaining third of unconnected Brits online is being drawn up by the Government (02-05-08).
Although the UK ranks fifth in Europe for broadband penetration, an estimated 17 million people still do not have access to a computer or the internet either at home or at work according to Paul Murphy, minister for digital inclusion.
“Chances are these people come from an older or socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged group,” Murphy told delegates at the National Digital Inclusion Conference.
In his first speech since being appointed to the role in January, Murphy admitted that he was not a technical person but said that he had been studying the issue, and that the “enormity of the work” had become “pretty obvious”.
Although he didn’t set a timeline, Murphy indicated that his strategy could be in place by the summer, and at the latest, would be in line with similar plans from the EU, reported the BBC.
Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: “Despite widespread broadband access and ever cheaper headline rates, a ‘digital divide’ remains in the UK and it’s important that the Government works hard to get these people connected.
“Although its prices are not the most competitive, the Post Office’s (www.PostOffice.co.uk) decision to accept cash payments for its broadband was a great way of increasing internet access to people who can’t afford to set up direct debits, or simply want the security of being able to budget more easily.
“It is schemes like this, combined with falling prices and Government initiatives that will help to close the digital divide,” he concluded.
Related article - Cheapest broadband.
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