The Mayor of London is urging businesses and public bodies to donate unwanted mobile phones, laptops and other IT equipment to help digitally excluded Londoners.
The Get Online London programme has already supported more than 100,000 Londoners. The city's first ever digital inclusion service set up by City Hall and the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) aims to ensure that every Londoner has access to digital connectivity, skills devices and support.
According to figures, around two million residents across the capital still have very limited digital engagement, for example lacking their own device or facing difficulties with online services. Over 250,000 have no internet access at all.
Get Online London has established 1,106 Digital Inclusion Hubs across every borough in London, providing free internet for Londoners who couldn’t otherwise afford to get online.
The services has provided 7,119 devices to get Londoners online, and is also helping organisations that donate to reduce e-waste and boost London’s progress towards achieving net zero.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Get Online London has been a huge success and I’m really proud that we’ve now reached more than 100,000 Londoners, working alongside the London Office of Technology and Innovation and the Good Things Foundation to tackle digital exclusion.
“Demand for devices still far outstrips supply, so we must do more. That’s why I’m calling on businesses and public bodies to donate mobile phones, laptops and other IT kit to help us fix the digital divide and ensure access for all. Devices an organisation no longer needs can be essential lifelines for others, and together we can build a better and fairer London for everyone.”
Genta Hajri, digital innovation delivery lead, London Office of Technology and Innovation, said: “The ability to get online is such a basic and increasingly vital part of being fully included in society: to access education, work, look after our health and wellbeing and to connect with friends and family.
“We’re delighted by the progress that's already been achieved with Get Online London and encourage organisations from the public and private sectors to support this work to ensure no Londoner is left behind.”
