More funding confirmed for London’s digital inclusion service

London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has committed an additional £1.3 million (US$1.6 million) for the next two years of the Get Online London digital inclusion service.

He also called for more support from businesses to help get 75,000 Londoners online.

The programme – funded by the Greater London Authority and led by the London Office of Technology & Innovation (LOTI) – was launched in June last year with £545,000 for the pilot phase. It brings together large public and private sector organisations to donate their old IT equipment to national digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation.

Get Online London works with electronic recycling organisation Reconome to refurbish and then distribute the devices through participating community centres, known as hubs.  Major donors include the London boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Redbridge, consulting firm BJSS, and Ready Tech Go.

More to do

New figures show that since its launch, the Get Online London campaign has delivered free digital skills training for more than 11,000 Londoners. Almost 2,000 refurbished mobiles and laptops have been distributed to Londoners by Good Things Foundation’s Device Bank. In addition, over 26,000 sim cards have been distributed and 326 community centres have become Get Online London Digital Inclusion Hubs, connecting local people with basic digital skills courses.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “From arranging healthcare appointments to completing job applications, access to both services and to skills are increasingly dependent on our ability to get online. However, the sad reality is that many Londoners lack the confidence or resources to access technology. Get Online London is working to ensure all Londoners have the knowledge and tools they need to make the most of the internet.

“We’ve made great progress in the past year but there is still more to do. I’m calling on more large businesses and organisations to support us in our mission to provide digital access for all. Starting with getting 75,000 Londoners online and kickstarting a sustainable service to bridge the digital divide and help keep us connected. Together, we can build a fairer, more accessible and more prosperous London for all.”

Expansion

An estimated 270,000 Londoners have no access to the internet or digital access at all, with a further two million having very limited use.

As the programme develops, the focus will be on expanding its reach to more communities, including those who face multiple disadvantages such as poverty, disability and social isolation. The service will also provide specialised support to help these communities overcome the barriers to digital inclusion.