- The DPA argues that affordability, skills and confidence must all be addressed — not just access to devices.
- The push comes as national digital policy evolves, with the DPA calling for long-term, systemic commitment rather than sporadic aid.
What happened：Digital Poverty Alliance renews call for tech firms to tackle digital exclusion
In a recent interview with Capacity Media, the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) — a coalition of charities, industry groups and educational organisations — renewed its appeal for tech companies to take responsibility in addressing digital exclusion. According to its Chief Executive, the DPA does not view the problem simply as a lack of hardware, but as a multifaceted issue involving affordability, lack of skills, confidence and unequal infrastructure.
One focal issue flagged by the DPA is the ongoing national shift in the UK from analogue to digital landline telephony. The transition threatens to leave behind not only older people, but also individuals with disabilities or limited digital confidence, and communities relying on older telecare equipment that may be incompatible with new services. The DPA has committed to advocating on behalf of these vulnerable groups, stressing that many have had little explanation or guidance about what the change truly entails.
More broadly, the DPA is supporting government-led efforts to redistribute surplus devices — such as laptops — from public bodies to people in need. This scheme forms part of a larger national push to improve digital access, in which the DPA hopes private sector firms will commit to donating unused devices or funding digital inclusion programmes.
Yet, the DPA is keen to stress that simply providing devices is insufficient. Digital inclusion, the organisation argues, also demands sustained investment in digital skills, support around usage, and equitable broadband access — especially in under-served areas.
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Why it’s important
As services move increasingly online — from healthcare and social security to education and banking — those lacking reliable internet access or digital skills risk being left behind. The shift from analogue telephony and rising broadband bills exacerbate these risks, disproportionately affecting older people, disabled individuals, low-income households, and rural communities. The DPA warns these systemic inequalities could deepen without wider industry involvement.
While device-donation schemes are a tangible step, evidence suggests they address only part of the problem. According to the DPA’s own thinking, long-term digital inclusion requires teaching digital literacy, fostering confidence in usage, and ensuring reliable connectivity. Without these, donated laptops or tablets risk gathering dust rather than enabling meaningful participation online.
The issue becomes especially urgent in the context of public services. For instance, the DPA recently launched a national inquiry into digital inclusion and health, gathering evidence on how digitally excluded individuals struggle to access essential health-care services as systems shift online.
The DPA has voiced support for national-level strategies and systemic change. In response to a government “Call for Evidence,” the alliance argued that digital inclusion should be regarded as a fundamental right — not an optional add-on.
The DPA’s call is timely: if digital connectivity and literacy become prerequisites for civic participation, employment, education and health — then ensuring inclusion could be as crucial as delivering other public utilities. But for its ambitions to succeed, tech firms, government and civil society must move beyond goodwill gestures towards sustained, coordinated commitment.
