A FAST internet connection for all: it’s the law. Or soon will be, if the UK government’s pledge to give every household a legal right to fast broadband becomes a reality.
The backdrop to this is a nation that has yet to fully understand the social and economic potential of the web. And, worryingly, it has somehow lost sight of the internet’s original promise: to empower individuals and increase engagement at a universal level.
Will this proposed right really affect the affordability of an internet connection or the equipment to use it, and the acquisition of the skills to make the most of it? In other words, will it create a society where everyone can benefit from the internet? The devil may be in the detail of the forthcoming .
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With nearly , this is a crucial question. It’s simply not right that a huge chunk of the population – often those who could most benefit from the internet – is left behind. Digital skills can enhance quality of life by improving social contact and easing access to online public services, for example.
“The UK has lost sight of the internet’s original promise: to increase engagement at a universal level“
Beyond this, research shows that on average, and services. And with financial pressures being a major cause of mental health issues in the UK, managing money online offers control that can ease stress levels.
This isn’t just about money. Digital is now the in the UK. Unless you have the right skills, it will be hard to access them without assistance. What’s more, digital skills help us be part of civil society and are fundamental drivers of jobs and prosperity.
It is also well documented that the UK has a digital skills crisis. A search on a popular jobs site reveals over , and a .
Another recent study estimates that investing in basic digital skills and low-cost devices will cost £1.65 billion over the next decade. The expected return on that is , based on outcomes such as better employability, earnings and retail sales. Clearly, ensuring everyone in the UK has digital skills is too important an issue to languish in a silo.
This article appeared in print under the headline “Net benefits for all”