Spark and Vodafone pledge support for digital inclusion action plan

The Spark Foundation and the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation announced their commitment to support InternetNZ’s action plan for digital inclusion. The five-point plan identifies the priority areas where the government of New Zealand should direct its efforts and investments including: affordable connectivity; getting devices to people who can’t afford them, and addressing accessibility barriers; wrap-around support for the newly connected; digital skills for displaced workers and our small businesses; and longer-term Internet resilience. While the plan outlines the government agencies that could be responsible for leading each action point, it underscores the need for cross-agency engagement and co-ordination. ‘Digital inclusion is about making sure everyone can fully participate online. In our national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than it has ever been. This is not just about cost or infrastructure. Kiwis also need to have the skills, motivation, and trust to be online,’ noted InternetNZ Chief Executive Jordan Carter. More than 50 organisations have now signed the plan which was shared with the government and the public in May 2020.