Helen MilnerCEO - Online Centres Foundation
Digital EngagementTowards a Network Nation11 September 2012
We’re doing well
• Between 2009 and 2011 an additional 7.7% of the UK population became internet users• UK: 76.4% (Sept 2009) -> 84.1% (Dec
2011)• As a comparison in the US between 2009 and
2011 an additional 2% of the US population became internet users• USA: 76.3% (Nov 2009) -> 78.3% (Dec 2011)
The internet makes you happier than money
The BCS research found that: ‘IT has a direct positive impact on life
satisfaction, even when controlling for income and other factors known to be important in determining well-being’
Source: The Information Dividend: Why IT makes you ‘happier’, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT by Trajectory Partnership, September 2010
The internet makes you more employable
• 73% of employers wouldn't even interview entry level candidates who didn't have basic IT skills
ICM/UK online centres survey, February 2012
Who is offline? (has NEVER used the internet)
Everyday use is exploding: creating a bigger divide
Percentage UK population use of the internetSource: ONS up to Q3 2011
There are three main barriers
Freshminds 2007 and 2009
5000 local community partners responding to the people who need them
41% of disabled peoplehave never used internet
60% of over 65s have never used
Broadband take-upby area variesfrom 50% to 80%
Digital Engagement = People
Do we need to choose between people and pipes?
Pipes• Shetland Islands:
• 0% superfast broadband• 19.9% of the households <2Mbits/sec• 71% take-up
• Rutland:• 0% superfast broadband• 22.1% at <2Mbits/sec• 74% take-up making it in the top 10% of
areas for take-up in the UK
Ofcom 2011
People• Middlesbrough:
• 91% superfast broadband• 9.6% <2Mbits/sec• 58% of houses have taken-up broadband
putting it in the lowest 10% in terms of take-up• Sandwell 55% of people use broadband• South Tyneside 57%• Stoke-on-Trent 58%• Barnsley 59%
A tale of two issues
• Cumbria has less pipes yet more people online
• Hartlepool has more pipes and less people online
• It’s clear that investment needs to continue in both building infrastructure and supporting people
1m online for £30m: Saving £157mThrough UK online centres April 2010 – July 2012
1 April 2010 – 27 April 2012
Local+ Technology
+ Scale
88% people feel more confident79% think they are more independent
after they have got help to use the internet
2% of £1bn = £20m
Should we share the investment in pipes with an investment in people?
If we just build it will they come?
Thank [email protected]@helenmilner on twitterSlideshare.net/helenmilnerwww.ukonlinecentres.com