Mobile and broadband markets fail digitally excluded groups

Financially vulnerable people, disabled and mentally ill people and elderly people all face significant challenges in accessing appropriate communications services, according to a new Ofcom report.

While the growth and development of the internet has had a generally positive effect on consumers and citizens in improving their ability to access a range of innovative services, vulnerable and excluded groups still face significant challenges that limit their ability to fully participate in the UK’s burgeoning digital society, according to a new Ofcom report.

Contrary to the narrative often presented, the most financially insecure people were found to be substantially less likely to own a landline, mobile, or fixed broadband connection, or a pay-TV service, although they were more likely to live in a mobile-only household – 28% versus 21% of the population as a whole.