Vodafone UK and Good Things Foundation, The Digital Inclusion Charity, this week teamed up in the heart of the capital to highlight the shocking statistic that five million people are missing out on 5G - creating a ‘connectivity gap.’

Both Vodafone UK and Good Things Foundation are committed to closing the ‘gap’, also known as the digital divide, and have partnered to raise awareness that rural and deprived communities will be left behind unless they get access to 5G. Both organisations believe that in an increasingly digital society, everyone should have access to the latest digital connectivity and skills needed to make use of it, in a way that’s affordable.

The artwork, by 3DJoe&Max, used the famous underground phrase, ‘mind the gap’ first used in 1969, to illustrate the gap between major cities and the rest of the country. Vodafone’s proposed merger with Three UK will help close the digital connectivity divide by delivering nationwide 5G Standalone coverage to everyone, leaving no community behind. If the merger is approved, this will be delivered without the need for public funding, delivering the Labour Government’s manifesto ambition of national 5G coverage by 2030.

Andrea Dona, Networks Director, Vodafone UK said: “Everyone should have access to connectivity and it’s shocking that five million people are missing out due to this connectivity gap. Of course, it’s not just affordability, it’s also accessibility. Without access, people, often in rural and deprived communities, are missing out on the benefits and opportunities 5G brings. We want to propel our country forwards and as part of our proposed merger with Three UK, would deliver 95% 5G standalone population coverage by 2030 and 99% by 2034.”

Helen Milner, CEO, Good Things Foundation said: “A staggering 5 million people are locked out from the benefits of 5G connectivity, many from deprived or rural communities. Good Things Foundation is proud to work with our strategic partner Vodafone to help raise awareness of the connectivity gap and tackle digital exclusion through our National Digital Inclusion Network. Together, we can help fix the digital divide for good."

Tackling the digital divide has long been at the heart of our business. Our everyone.connected initiative has seen us donate connectivity and tech to those who need it most by working with our partners, including The Trussell Trust, Barnardo’s, NSPCC and Good Things Foundation; offering targeted, affordable tariffs and services; and working with our partners to upskill businesses and communities.

To read more about:

•Good Things Foundation, The Digital Inclusion Charity, visit: Home :: Good Things Foundation

•National Digital Inclusion Network, visit: National Digital Inclusion Network

•Vodafone UK’s everyone.connected initiative: everyone connected | Tackle the digital divide | Vodafone UK

•Vodafone UK’s proposed merger with Three UK: https://vodafone.uk/mergersite

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