Closing the digital divide. One device at a time.
On Friday, 12 September, End Digital Poverty Day returns for its third year bringing renewed focus to one of the most urgent and overlooked inequalities. Launched in 2023 by the Digital Poverty Alliance, this initiative is designed to accelerate practical efforts to bridge the digital divide. It’s about turning awareness into meaningful, coordinated action.
Digital poverty is a multifaceted challenge, encompassing the lack of essential tools, connectivity, confidence, and skills needed to participate in modern society. At SQR, we believe that access to technology is integral to our mission to create a more secure, efficient, and inclusive world for all.
The scale of the digital poverty crisis
- Up to 19 million adults and 1 in 5 children in the UK experience digital poverty, limited by device affordability, connectivity, and skills.
- Nearly 45% of families with children fail to meet the "Minimum Digital Living Standard," a threshold combining device access, connectivity, and skills - particularly impacting low income, minority-ethnicity, and disabled parent households.
- Good Things Foundation data shows a troubling link between digital exclusion and deep poverty: 44% of Food Bank referrals with no internet access report severe social isolation.
These figures underscored that digital poverty is not just a technological gap. It is a societal divide, compounding existing inequalities.
Why fixing the digital divide matters
The Good Things Foundation has demonstrated the real impact of digital inclusion. During the pandemic, they supported over 22,000 people in the UK with devices, data, and digital support, reaching more than 4 million people globally. Among participants:
- 20% secured a job
- 52% felt less lonely
- 77% used online government services
- 83% felt more confident managing their health online
Their National Databank has distributed 500,000 mobile data SIMs since 2021, helping low income individuals stay online via the National Digital Inclusion Network. Paired with the National Device Bank, they refurbish and redistribute donated devices, tackling waste and exclusion. These efforts highlight that when communities are supported through accessible, connected solutions, the digital divide shrinks and lives improve.
SQR’s commitment: Actions that matter
Since signing the DPA’s Charter for Digital Inclusion in 2024, SQR’s committed to transitioning from words to tangible action. We're excited to share that SQR, in collaboration with the DPA, will soon launch a device collection initiative in the Isle of Man. This project is designed to empower individuals and families at risk of digital exclusion, both on the Island and across the UK. Our goal is simple: ensuring that opportunities are not limited by access to a device. This initiative reflects the collaborative impact needed to close the divide, one device at a time.
Collaboration with Sight Matters & digital inclusion recognition
Inclusion is one of our core values, and our work with the DPA forms a key part of our broader dedication to digital inclusion. We believe that a truly inclusive digital world is one where everyone, regardless of their background, circumstances, or ability, can participate online safely and with confidence. This commitment is reflected in our collaboration with Sight Matters, an Isle of Man charity dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired individuals to lead inclusive, independent lives. Our collaborative pilot with Sight Matters specifically focuses on digital accessibility, and is instrumental in identifying real-world pain points and usability issues, allowing us to implement effective and meaningful improvements to our tokenised identity product.
We’re honoured to have been shortlisted as finalists, along with Sight Matters, for the DPA's UK Digital Inclusion Awards 2025 in the “Ensuring Accessible Services - Innovation Award” category. This nomination is a testament to the hard work of our team and partners, and recognises our commitment to innovation that truly includes everyone.
The way forward
As End Digital Poverty Day approaches, the need for action is clear. Digital inclusion is a practical necessity. We invite you to join us:
- Donate devices
- Support digital skills programmes
- Champion inclusion in your networks
Stay tuned to our website and LinkedIn for updates on our launch with the DPA, and ways you can get involved.
Together, with the leadership of organisations like the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Good Things Foundation, and through local partnerships like ours with Sight Matters, we can make digital equity a reality.
Authors
