DIGITAL

INEQUALITY

WALES

Disconnected: The Real Cost of Digital Inequality.

The Real Cost of Digital Inequality.

1 in 10 in Wales lack basic digital skills.

Affected

Why is this happening?

See Stories

What is Digital Inequality?

Digital inequality means some people or communities can’t easily access or use the internet—often due to cost, limited infrastructure, or lack of digital skills.

In Wales, 1 in 10 adults lack basic online access. That’s thousands who can’t apply for jobs, book GP appointments, or keep in touch—putting them at risk of exclusion.

Did you know?

Over 3 billion globally still lack internet access (Internet Society, 2022)

Digital Inclusion

Digital Exclusion

What is Digital Inequality?

Digital inequality means some people or communities can’t easily access or use the internet—often due to cost, limited infrastructure, or lack of digital skills.

In Wales, 1 in 10 adults lack basic online access. That’s thousands who can’t apply for jobs, book GP appointments, or keep in touch—putting them at risk of exclusion.

Did you know?

Over 3 billion globally still lack internet access (Internet Society, 2022)

Digital Inclusion

Digital Exclusion

What is Digital Inequality?

Digital inequality means some people or communities can’t easily access or use the internet—often due to cost, limited infrastructure, or lack of digital skills.

In Wales, 1 in 10 adults lack basic online access. That’s thousands who can’t apply for jobs, book GP appointments, or keep in touch—putting them at risk of exclusion.

Did you know?

Over 3 billion globally still lack internet access (Internet Society, 2022)

Digital Inclusion

Digital Exclusion

Voices from the Divide

Personal impact of digital inequality.

“They took my phone away. It just felt like my power was taken away.”

Ray

Asylum seeker & LGBTQ+ activist

“My grandchildren live 300 miles away. I need some form of communication.”

Fiona

Elderly grandparent experiencing digital exclusion

"I lost my husband last year. I wasn't able to go online to get his death certificate. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye."

Sophie

Widowed woman

Why Does This Issue Persist?

Cost

Affordability of digital devices and services

Access

Digital Infrastructure like proper cabling

Skills

Lack of basic digital skills

Creative Solutions To Close The Gap

The Power Of Digital Access

7%

Higher life satisfaction of over 50s that use the internet regularly, versus those who don't

45%

Higher earnings for those with three digital skills, versus those without

18.8%

Reduction in healthcare expenses

Before

After

United Nations Deadline To Tackle Digital Inequalities

1645 D 09 H 38 M 37 S

1645 D 09 H

Digital access isn’t a luxury. It’s a right.

Everyone deserves equal access to the opportunities and support the internet provides. Bridging the digital divide uplifts the economic prospects of entire communities.

Want to make a difference? Share this issue with those in your community — your voice helps drive change.

Digital access isn’t a luxury. It’s a right.

Everyone deserves equal access to the opportunities and support the internet provides. Bridging the digital divide uplifts the economic prospects of entire communities.

Want to make a difference? Share this issue with those in your community — your voice helps drive change.

Sources

UN Reducing Inequalities

Audit Wales Report

Internet Society

UNICEF Report

Digital Divide Council

The Guardian Video

Mike Lindsay TEDx Talk

Contact

Cole Brydson

cole.brydson@gmail.com

2025