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Tag Data poverty

Digital Inclusion , London

Let It Snow SIMs: Bridging the Digital Divide This Festive Season

This Christmas, the message of connection has never been more meaningful. Virgin Media O2’s new festive advert, “Snowing SIMs”, captures the spirit of giving by highlighting their incredible SIM card initiative through the National Databank.

At IFB Gaming, we are proud to be part of this inspiring mission, ensuring that no one is left behind in today’s digital world.

What is the National Databank?
According to Good Things reporting, 2 million households have no home internet, and 2.4 million can’t afford a mobile phone contract. This lack of access often affects vulnerable people facing other inequalities, hence the introduction of the National Databank in 2021.

The National Databank is like a foodbank but for mobile data, the National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet. Read about the National Databank on Good Things Foundation’s website.

Through our membership with the National Databank, IFB Gaming plays a pivotal role in distributing free SIM cards to those most affected by data poverty in London.

Together, we’re not just delivering connectivity—we’re creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and paving the way for a digitally empowered future.”

Bridging the Gap: Free SIM Cards for Those Who Need Them Most
For many, the festive season is a time of joy and togetherness. But for others, particularly those facing digital exclusion, it can be a stark reminder of isolation.

In London alone, thousands struggle with data poverty, unable to access the internet for vital services, job opportunities, or simply to connect with loved ones.

Through our membership with the National Digital Inclusion Network, IFB Gaming has distributed free SIM cards to those who need them most. This includes individuals on low incomes, refugees, asylum seekers, people with English as Second Language, British Sign Language Users, and others without recourse to public funds.

These SIM cards provide not just data, but a lifeline to the digital world—a tool to empower and uplift.

The Power of Connection
Virgin Media O2’s “Snowing SIMs” campaign beautifully showcases how something as small as a SIM card can make a big difference. Whether it’s supporting someone in applying for a job, participating in an online class, or staying connected with loved ones, this initiative goes beyond technology—it is about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and preparing the UK for a future of technological maturity and beyond. Virgin Media O2 is at the forefront, driving this essential and transformative change.

Snowing Sims’ – Christmas Ad by Virgin Media O2

Digital Inclusion: A Mission for London and Beyond
At IFB Gaming, we’ve seen first-hand how access to data transforms lives. London is a city of opportunity, but for many, digital exclusion creates barriers to participation.

By working together with the National Databank and like-minded partners, we’re helping to break down these barriers, one SIM card at a time. Read about our recent “Empowering Futures” and “Winter Data Care” initiative on Community Southwark’s website.

How Can Your Organisation Benefit?
By joining the National Databank, your charity or community organisation can:

  • Distribute free SIM cards to support those facing digital exclusion.
  • Help individuals access essential online services, education, and employment opportunities.
  • Strengthen your community impact with a meaningful, practical solution to data poverty.
  • Learn new skills and ways of working.
  • Be part of a National movement focused on eradicating inequalities.
  • Break the silo walls and connect your voice to National discussions and development.
  • Future-proof your organisation with member-only events and knowledge base.
  • Access the National Device bank and diversify your funding opportunities.

Why Get Involved?
The National Databank is a simple, effective way to support your community and break down the barriers of digital exclusion.

At IFB Gaming, being part of this initiative has allowed us to connect countless individuals and organisations to life-changing opportunities. Now, we want to share this opportunity with you.

Get in Touch with IFB Gaming
Need guidance on how to join? Unsure where to start?

IFB Gaming offers consultations to help you understand the process and make the most of this incredible initiative. Together, we can ensure no one in our communities is left behind.

Let’s create a digitally inclusive future—one SIM card at a time. Reach out to us today to learn more about joining the National Databank!

This Christmas, as we embrace the joy of giving, let’s remember the power of connection. Together, we can continue to address digital exclusion and data poverty, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Get In Touch
Digital Inclusion

Bridging the Digital Divide: Exploring Data Poverty and Its Impact

Data poverty refers to the lack of access to adequate data connectivity, digital devices, and digital literacy skills needed to fully participate in the digital world. It encompasses various dimensions of inequality and exclusion related to access to and use of digital technologies.

People experiencing data poverty may face barriers to accessing essential online services, educational resources, job opportunities, healthcare information, and social connections. Data poverty can exacerbate existing inequalities and limit individuals’ ability to fully benefit from digital technologies for personal, social, and economic development.

Data Poverty is a Facet of Digital Inclusion

Hannah Whelan (Good Things Foundation)

Data Poverty is often closely linked to broader issues of digital inclusion and the digital divide, highlighting the need for efforts to address disparities in access to digital resources and opportunities.

The impact of data poverty is profound and multifaceted, affecting individuals, communities, and societies in various ways:

  1. Limited Access to Information and Opportunities: Data poverty restricts access to vital information, resources, and opportunities available online. Individuals experiencing data poverty may struggle to access educational materials, job listings, healthcare services, and government resources, limiting their ability to make informed decisions and participate fully in economic, social, and civic life.
  2. Economic Disadvantage: Data poverty perpetuates economic disparities by hindering access to online job opportunities, e-commerce platforms, and digital financial services. Without access to digital tools and resources, individuals may face barriers to entrepreneurship, remote work, and financial inclusion, further widening the gap between the digitally empowered and the digitally excluded.
  3. Educational Inequality: Data poverty exacerbates educational inequalities by limiting access to online learning resources, virtual classrooms, and educational platforms. Students without reliable internet connectivity or digital devices may struggle to complete homework assignments, access course materials, or participate in distance learning programs, perpetuating the cycle of educational disadvantage.
  4. Healthcare Disparities: In the digital age, access to healthcare information, telemedicine services, and digital health tools is crucial for promoting health and well-being. Data poverty can exacerbate healthcare disparities by limiting access to online health resources, telehealth consultations, and digital health monitoring devices, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
  5. Social Isolation and Exclusion: Data poverty can contribute to social isolation and exclusion by limiting access to social networking platforms, virtual communities, and online communication tools. Individuals without internet connectivity or digital literacy skills may struggle to stay connected with family and friends, participate in social activities, or access support networks, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  6. Digital Rights and Citizenship: Data poverty undermines digital rights and citizenship by limiting individuals’ ability to exercise their rights online, such as freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy protection. Without access to digital tools and resources, individuals may be disenfranchised from participating in digital democracy, engaging in online activism, or advocating for their rights in digital spaces.

Tackling data poverty is important for several reasons:

  1. Promoting Digital Inclusion: Access to digital connectivity, devices, literacy and skills are essential for full participation in the digital economy and society. By addressing data poverty, you can promote digital inclusion and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to access and benefit from digital technologies.
  2. Reducing Inequality: Data poverty disproportionately affects marginalised and disadvantaged groups, exacerbating existing inequalities. By closing the gap in access to digital resources, we can reduce socio-economic disparities and promote greater equity in access to education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services.
  3. Fostering Economic Development: Access to digital technologies is increasingly important for economic participation and growth. By empowering individuals and communities with digital skills and resources, we can unlock new economic opportunities, stimulate innovation, and drive economic development.
  4. Improving Education and Lifelong Learning: Digital technologies have the potential to revolutionise education and lifelong learning by providing access to online resources, courses, and educational tools. Tackling data poverty ensures that learners of all ages have access to quality educational resources and opportunities for skill development.
  5. Enhancing Healthcare Access and Well-being: Digital technologies can improve access to healthcare information, telemedicine services, and health monitoring tools, particularly in remote and underserved areas. By addressing data poverty, you can enhance healthcare access and promote better health outcomes for individuals and communities.
  6. Facilitating Social Connections and Community Engagement: Digital connectivity enables individuals to connect with others, participate in social networks, and engage in community activities. By tackling data poverty, you can strengthen social connections, foster community engagement, and reduce social isolation, particularly among seniors and vulnerable and marginalised populations.
  7. Empowering Individuals and Communities: Access to digital technologies empowers individuals and communities to access information, express themselves, advocate for their rights, and participate in decision-making processes. By addressing data poverty, you can empower people to exercise their digital rights and participate more fully in democratic processes.

The impact of data poverty is far-reaching and intersects with various dimensions of inequality and exclusion. Addressing data poverty requires comprehensive strategies aimed at improving digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring equitable access to digital resources and opportunities for all individuals and communities.

By tackling data poverty, we can build a more inclusive and equitable digital society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Tackling data poverty is essential for building inclusive and equitable societies, promoting economic development, and harnessing the transformative potential of digital technologies for the benefit of all.

Unveiling Insights: Southwark Digital Skills and Needs Assessment Survey 2023

Event Title: Southwark’s Digital Landscape and the Hidden Opportunities

 

Date: TBC

Time: 1-3pm

Location: Microsoft Teams

During the online event, we will unveil the findings of the recent consultation with the residents of Kennington and Brandon Estates.

The event is for Third Sector leaders working to tackle digital inclusion and data poverty in the UK.

 

BACKGROUND

In 2023, the Southwark Digital Skills and Needs Assessment Survey provided invaluable data and insights into the digital landscape of the community.

This event serves as a platform to share the key findings, challenges, and opportunities revealed by the survey.

We aim to foster a deeper understanding of the digital skills and needs within Southwark’s Brandon and Kennington Estates and chart a course for a digitally inclusive future in Southwark.

 

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

During the online event,

  • we will unveil the findings of The Digital Skills and Needs Assessment Survey
  • make practical recommendations that you can start implementing immediately

 

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Please register your interest with the link. (What is this?)

The link will take you to a form. Once you have filled out and submitted the form, you will receive an email with the full details of the event. You will also be able to continue to pay and complete your registration or cancel.

 

Please contact john.a@ifbgaming.com if you would like to have a chat.

Thank you!

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