Digital Inclusion

Digital Hertfordshire is proud to partner with Digital Essex as part of our ongoing commitment to digital inclusion.

Digital inclusion is not only about providing internet access, but ensuring people have the skills, confidence, and means to use digital tools for their personal, social, and economic development. Together, we aim to help as many people as possible across the region to get the support they need. We will do this by supporting and coordinating basic digital training, device deployment and supporting residents to use the internet safely and easily. More news and progress will be shared in due course.

The Digital Exclusion Risk Index is a map that indicates where Hertfordshire’s digitally excluded population are more likely to live. View the map

Free training is available to support residents looking to develop essential digital skills.

New to computers or tablets?
Try our IT taster sessions in libraries across Hertfordshire.  Explore IT taster sessions

Learn My Way offers free learning and support to gain digital skills so you can stay safe and connected online. Learn My Way

Step2Skills also offer a range of digital skills courses to get started or to brush up your existing skills. Explore Step2Skills 

Social tariffs are discounted/cheaper broadband and mobile deals for people on Universal Credit and other benefits.

These tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, more broadband and mobile companies are beginning to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.

A large number of broadband providers now offer discounted social tariff products, with some offering deals from as low as £15 per month. This could represent a saving of more than £180 per year, which is around 50% compared to the average cost of broadband.

If you receive government benefits, you could qualify for one of these discounted price plans. For more information on eligibility and current available cheaper tariffs, visit Ofcom Social Tariffs

Please note - not all suppliers provide social tariffs as they already have cheaper packages that are available to everyone, so do your research when choosing a new broadband provider.

Between now and 2027, the telecommunications industry is turning off all old analogue (copper) telephone lines across the UK. This means households and businesses will be upgraded to new landline services using digital technology.

For most residents and businesses this change will be straightforward, many are already making the switch. Residents and businesses will be contacted directly by their Internet Service Provider (ISP) about their migration requirements and timescales and will also be able to answer any queries. Please visit Ofcom for more information: Upgrading landlines to digital technology

Recently the Government set out an agreement with communications providers to protect vulnerable people when they are moved onto the digital service. Visit the Government website for more information: Public Switched Telephone Network Charter (PSTN)