Sky has launched a new programme in a bid to tackle digital inequality and provide support with technology, connectivity and training.
The “Sky Up” initiative aims to target up to 250,000 “digitally isolated” people through a new £10 million fund.
The programme will help people by ensuring that those who do not have easy access to technology are connected to the right skills and resources.
The broadband company aims to help two specific groups of society, those over 65’s and under 25’s in low-income areas.
“Research conducted by Ofcom during the pandemic, shows that one in five school children do not have consistent access to a suitable device for their online schoolwork,” Sky said in a statement.
“The majority of people who are digital excluded are aged 65 and over, according to Age UK, and the greatest causes of digital exclusion amongst older people are lack of skills, a lack of trust, and not having a reliable internet connection.”
Around 100 new “Digital Hubs”, powered by Sky’s broadband network, will be set up in economically deprived areas, to provide free internet access and digital skills support. The first two Digital Hubs will be located in Hackney, East London, and Leeds in Yorkshire, and will be delivered in partnership with Badu Sports and Age UK respectively.
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“Digital connections can unlock opportunities for those who are most excluded. Sky Up will give people in need a chance to create a better future,” Sky Group CEO Dana Strong said.
Sky Up will also include tech grants for 16 to 25 year olds who have left the care system. They will receive individual £550 grants, personal tech devices and access to skills training.
The firm’s Academy Studios will also be expanded, with hopes of inspiring 20,000 students a year to work in creative industries and join the 167,000 young people already a part of the programme.
The Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, Chris Philp MP added, “Everyone, no matter their age or background, should be able to enjoy the huge benefits of digital technology – from learning, entertainment, shopping and doing business.”
“I welcome Sky’s ambitious skills programme to tackle digital exclusion and help thousands of people up and down the country access the growing benefits and opportunities of going online.”
Badu Sports CEO and founder, Nana Badu, concluded: “During lockdown we all truly understood the gap in digital equality for the most underserved communities.”
“The new Sky Up digital studio in Hackney is an important solution to start closing that gap.”
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