Norfolk's digital inclusion strategy

The outcome we seek is that key groups of people can access affordable broadband. This could be through:

• Support in understanding broadband packages and how to choose the best one for them
• Help with access to low cost and free options. This includes free MiFi dongles and subsidised broadband packages where it's appropriate to do so.

We continue to roll out the Better Broadband for Norfolk programme and Project Gigabit. This enables nearly all Norfolk residents to access fast, reliable broadband. It enables small businesses to operate effectively and support people to work from home.

Connectivity with devices to digitally-excluded children means they can keep up with their peers in education. This will also give them the digital skills needed for an ever changing workplace.

People have the connectivity needed to find employment or career progression. Being online means people can access savings and benefits such as energy switching, online shopping and education. They can also get information and advice that supports wider life chances and wellbeing.

Strategic plan: what we will do

Provide connectivity

We will provide subsidised and free connectivity through the Norfolk Assistance Scheme to provide broadband and/or mobile connectivity to selected cohorts, facilitating access to employment and social inclusion opportunities.

We will also offer MiFi dongles through our library networks and schools. This is to enable people to test and try connectivity and build their confidence to invest in the longer term or use the connectivity for specific tasks such as finding a job or studying for exams.

We aim for 80% of people supported with free or subsidised connectivity to report that it enabled them to find a job or improve their life chances.

We aim to have 1000 Norfolk people supported with free or subsidised connectivity by April 2024.

Understand connectivity options

Through Norfolk Libraries and Adult Learning, we will help Norfolk residents to understand their available broadband and connectivity options and what might work best for them. This will be underpinned by the option of borrowing a MiFi dongle to 'try before you buy'.

Digital programmes of learning will include information about purchasing and understanding broadband packages.

We aim for 90% of those supported to tell us that they feel inspired to use technology more in their everyday lives.

We aim to embed this in learning programmes by the start of the 2022 academic year.

Connectivity for children and young people

We provide free devices to children and young people most at risk of digital exclusion. We will also provide the connectivity they need to benefit fully from their new device.
We aim to provide connectivity support to all children and young people who need it.