Recent Developments in Digital Inclusion and Internet Access
Not a full blog today, but I thought I'd make a quick post, as
for those in digital inclusion there’s been several pieces of (hopefully)
welcome news.
Firstly Ofcom has announced that BT Openreach will be
expected to reduce its charges to ISPs, which should be passed on to consumers
(or Ofcom will want to know why not!)
Secondly Which? have provided a long-overdue spotlight on
ISP pricing strategies – aka “drag ‘em in cheap and then put the prices up
later”. Which? have even been able to put a price tag on customer loyalty – it's
costing an average £113/yr, a figure which actually sounds conservative to me.
I hope that both of these developments will lead to
improvements in one of the barriers to digital inclusion – the cost - and related to this the complexity.
It should absolutely raise eyebrows that, while it is possible
to get fibre broadband for around £150-200/yr, many people are paying £360-480/yr
or more and for ADSL, costs can range from around £65/yr for the most savvy to £300-360
for the most loyal/unwary. The ISP strategies favour the most astute and those
who are willing put in effort and time to get the best deal, this is rarely
those who are most at risk of digital exclusion. I am not exaggerating when I
say I needed an Excel sheet last time my contract was up to compare the deals –
this is not something many people are going to resort to, although the rewards
are quite large.
With broadband being considered a utility by many now, it is
well past time that more scrutiny is applied, the same way as it was with Ofgem
and the energy companies.
…and that’s before you add in the world of mobile broadband
with its own complexities and pitfalls.
In the meantime, a key role for sustainable digital
inclusion is going to continue to be helping bamboozled newcomers pick their
way through the options and find the best deal, crucially the best one they can
manage to access – after all the very cheapest prices may be out of their reach
purely due to the skills and persistence required.
I'm pleased to be attending the UK Housing Awards Ceremony as one of the panel judges for "An Outstanding Approach to Promoting Digital Inclusion" tonight, I'll post more on my reflections on the event and the competitors shortly.
James (@JL_CHSGroup)
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