COVID-19 revealing layers of digital inequity in South Auckland
With 20% of South Auckland households without internet at all, and many more without reliable internet, it is becoming clear that we must view digital connectivity as a human right and on par with other forms of infrastructure, like water and power.
The first lockdown showed us the depth of digital inequity in South and West Auckland, and this second lockdown is hammering home that access and internet does not equate to digital inclusion.
A phone is an ineffective learning device. Having one smart phone or laptop in a household doesn’t allow for multiple people to work or learn from home. For example it wouldn’t be uncommon for there to be no computer, but the kids share an adults smart phone for digital access.
Internet is not always ‘good’ internet. For effective Zoom or Google Hangout meetings or lessons, a reliable internet connection is required.
Cost of data. While data caps for fixed broadband have been removed during lockdown, that is only relevant for households with an existing connection. Very often whānau and young people are on wireless pre-paid, and data is another cost that needs to be rationed. The roll on effect of lowered incomes in families is that also young people don’t have funds to top up their phones, so no text or online access.
Space to learn, connect or work. For many South and West Auckland whānau, households are busy and multigenerational, especially during lockdown when there is additional stress on relationships. Having the physical quiet space to learn, connect or work online is not a reality for many.
Social isolation. For both young people and whānau, lack of online access also contributes to social isolation, and makes access to important information on the net or connecting into whānau and community networks difficult.
Digital proficiency and confidence. Not everyone has the acumen to maximise the benefits of using a computer and going online. Some elderly people living alone lack skills to access government online services or use the internet to talk to their whānau. Rangatahi find it difficult to navigate e-learning processes as school online systems and capabilities are largely underdeveloped.
TSI’s Social Intrapreneur, Tania Pouwhare, spoke to RNZ about this on Morning Report today and noted that we have to, “have a rethink about how our digital infrastructure and the accessibility and affordability of it, is a precursor for us being able to get our education system rejigged and reordered” and she urged the government and partners to work with us to create a new economic scenario for South and West Auckland.
We know there are there are a number of exciting ideas, from near and far, that others and some of our team are exploring to tackle digital connectivity and we welcome the chance to tackle this together.
We are developing a number of prototypes, as well as working with a group of experienced South Auckland based innovators growing the digital eco-system through the South Advantage Collective. You can download their bold vision for South Auckland’s digital future here. Get in touch if you’re keen to work with us on increasing digital access for South and West Auckland.