There are around 10 million people in the UK that have never used the internet. Four million of these people are the most socially and economically disadvantaged according to recent studies.
By staying offline, all of these people are missing out on both social and economic benefits.
Social inclusion
- 1 in 4 adults in the UK have never used the Internet
- A third of UK households don’t have the Internet
- 39% of people without access to the Internet in the UK are over 65
- 70% of people who live in social housing aren’t online
- 38% of people not online are also unemployed
- 90% of all new jobs now require IT skills
- Digitally excluded households are missing out on £560 a year
Access to the internet and specifically superfast broadband can put people in touch with much needed information, more choices and the benefits on online purchases.
Schools health and emergency services
Superfast broadband is transforming the way that public services can operate.
Over 300 schools in South Yorkshire will connect to the Digital Region network, enabling nearly 100,000 pupils across the region to benefit from next generation connectivity. It will also save the local authorities hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Digital Region is assisting the regional health organisations in South Yorkshire to deliver a high capacity network infrastructure, over which new community based health services can be cost-effectively delivered. The services are known as TeleCare or TeleHealth.
Examples of the type of services provided includes; home based self monitoring of long term conditions, tele-wound management – which transmits photographs of wounds from the accident scene to specialised tissue nurses to assess requirements, also video conferencing.
Digital Regions next generation fibre-optic network is well positioned to extend the reach of the emergency services infrastructure. It can facilitate the implementation of value added services such as desk based video conferencing and remote working.
Myers Grove School, Sheffield
The video below was created by Myers Grove school to highlight the positive changes that Digital Region will have in South Yorkshire.
