Digital inclusion and poverty: Case studies and resources for local government

Curated case studies of innovative ways councils are improving digital access and tackling digital exclusion to prevent wider inequalities, plus reports and resources on digital poverty. Examples and research this week come from France, the US, Australia, and the UK.

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Policy innovation and inspiration examples from the local government sector

USA: Detroit expands internet access via parks
A new pilot project has seen the City of Detroit roll out free wifi services across its parks, aiming to bridge the digital divide and expand internet accessibility to those who need it most in the community. Around 126,000 residents are now within a half-mile walking distance of five parks with internet access in the city. As well as internet, the parks also now provide solar-powered charging stations for devices. Director of general services Crystal Perkins said “the internet is now essential in our day-to-day lives so having free access to it in our parks plays a crucial role in enhancing community life.”
SmartCitiesWorld

UK: South East London ICS improves digital access for people with learning disabilities
NHS South East London Integrated Care System in 2022 launched a £60,000 project, focusing on improving digital access for people with severe mental illness or learning disabilities. Supported by key stakeholders including the London Borough of Bexley, the scheme includes measures to create greater accessibility for GP practice websites, education webinars on self-care, one-on-one digital training, and mapping local support for people wanting to learn digital skills with a learning disability.
HTN

FRANCE: Paris launches phone collection pilot to combat digital poverty
Last year, the City of Paris launched a solidarity phone collection pilot in the 14th arrondissement, in a bid to extend the life of used electronic devices while tackling digital poverty. With phones reportedly replaced every 2-3 years on average, despite 88% being still in good order, the city asked residents to donated any of their still-functioning mobile devices. Residents were sent pre-paid envelopes to post their old phones free of charge and give them a second life. The phones were then sorted and refurbished, before being redistributed to people in need by a digital poverty association. Non-functional phones were recycled nearby.
The Mayor 

AUSTRALIA: Bridging the digital divide via a new library in Melbourne
2022 saw Hobsons Bay City Council launch the Creative Technology Hub, an interactive technology hub aiming to provide the community with a space to interact with new and emerging technologies while bridging the digital divide. The council launched the hub after the library network identified a “learning need” in the community. Because of this, the hub is suitable for different levels of digital literacy, offering an experiential component of people without much tech experience. 
Government News

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