Connecting for good

Almost every day, we read and hear about new and emerging technologies that are set to transform how we live, work, learn and are entertained. For some, this brings excitement, for others, anxiety. Why? Because despite the UK’s many strengths and depths, we have yet to fully embrace becoming a digital society, sufficiently skilled and confident to seize the opportunities ahead.

As a result, millions are at risk of being left behind. Being digitally excluded can mean being cut off from essential services, from family, friends and community, from economic opportunity, and from the ability to navigate a society that’s increasingly shaped by technology.

BT is one of the biggest investors in UK infrastructure, and our nationwide broadband and mobile networks will fuel the UK’s future prosperity – unlocking the power of technology, boosting productivity and enabling growth.

But we recognise that great networks alone are not enough. That’s why we are stepping up, with a new ambition to reach 30 million people and businesses with the digital skills, tools and support they need by 2030.

Building on a decade of progress

We set our first digital inclusion target a decade ago, in 2015. Since then, BT has supported more than 23 million people and businesses with digital skills and training, and our new, extended ambition builds on the progress we have made.

That progress has been achieved through long-term partnerships and practical programmes – from helping young people develop digital confidence, to supporting businesses to grow their capabilities, to keeping families connected during the pandemic.

We have built a strong foundation. But the country – and the challenge – has moved on.

Today, digital inclusion is about far more than skills alone. It means being able to get online reliably, afford to stay connected, and use digital services safely with confidence and trust.

As more of everyday life moves online, and as technologies like AI reshape how we work and access services, the gap between those who can benefit and those who cannot risks widening further.

Bringing connectivity and capability together

For BT, this means tackling both sides of the challenge. We are continuing to upgrade connectivity and build the country’s digital backbone, including in rural and harder-to-reach communities, while also helping people and businesses gain the confidence and capability to make the most of it.

Because infrastructure only becomes opportunity when people can access it, and use it in ways that improve their lives.

We know we can achieve more when we work together. From supporting the Government’s digital inclusion and skills initiatives, to being part of the Connection Project – a national alliance aiming to help everyone thrive online, BT’s programmes and partnerships focus on practical support where it makes the greatest difference:

• helping children and families stay safe online,
• enabling older people, disabled people and those most at risk of exclusion to access essential services more independently, and
• supporting small businesses to grow, adapt and protect themselves from cyber threats.

Our relationship with AbilityNet is a strong example of that approach, taking free support directly into communities and helping thousands of older people build confidence at their own pace. Held in welcoming spaces like community centres and libraries, these sessions help equip people to be vigilant and spot scams, and are part of BT’s wide-reaching activities to enable people to stay safe online.

From providing mobile services that give young people support specifically tailored to their stage of digital development, to delivering industrial-grade cybersecurity tools to small businesses, the steps BT is taking to become the UK’s most trusted connector could not be more relevant, or more important, in today’s rapidly changing world.  

Embedded in our strategy

Digital inclusion is not a standalone initiative. It is central to our purpose, and how we deliver for customers, communities and the country. It is, therefore, fully embedded into our strategy, as we create a better BT for all of us.

That is why it now sits firmly within our Board’s oversight of strategy and performance ensuring delivery, accountability and impact are fully integrated into the heart of how we run BT and deliver for all our stakeholders.

We’ve made real progress over the last ten years, and we are excited about the opportunities to come in the years ahead.

Our new 30 million ambition is about making sure more people and businesses don’t just get online, but can stay connected, feel confident, and benefit from everything digital life offers.

That is what connecting for good means and why we are stepping up our ambition now.

For more information see: Digital Inclusion