The day is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) which is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies.

This year’s WTISD theme is: “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.” Public and private sector organisations and businesses are being encouraged to make pledges for universal connectivity and digital transformation.

Mobile UK’s work in this area is focused on raising awareness of digital inclusion in the UK, promoting access to mobile networks and facilitating communications for all. Our Director of Policy and Communications Gareth Elliott chaired a panel discussion on Digital Inclusion at this year’s Connected North event and Mobile UK is soon to launch its report on Digital Inclusion to raise awareness of the work needed in this country.  

The collaborative work the Mobile Network Operators are doing in this area is also being promoted across the industry and is playing a key role in reducing inequalities in access to mobile communications. While connectivity is crucial to tackling digital exclusion it is not the only cause of digital exclusion - for instance affordability, confidence, willingness and skills.

For example, The National Databank, created with Virgin Media O2 and supported by Vodafone and Three, is providing free data to 500,000 people in need and is active in 1,000 UK locations.  

BT / EE Skills for Tomorrow has a target to help 25 million people by 2026 across the UK with the provision of essential digital skills. This initiative, a partnership with Good Things Foundation, has already helped 4,752 people gain digital skills.

While connectivity is fundamental to being digitally included, we need to have effective strategies in place both in the UK and further afield to understand why people are digitally excluded and why certain sections of society are more vulnerable.  Access to reliable communications and emerging technologies has the power to improve lives and standards of living both here and in developing countries.  

Mobile UK will continue to call on the UK Government to update its Digital Inclusion strategy which was last published in 2014.  

For more information on WTISD visit: https://www.itu.int/wtisd/en/

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