Affordable
Connectivity
Report
Summary
Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA) is concerned that many New Zealand households cannot afford internet access (at home and when out and about). We refer to this as the “affordable connectivity” problem. DECA members working in communities report that the problem has got worse with the cost of living crisis.
DECA has been advocating for government support to help low income households get the essential internet access they need to function and thrive in an increasingly digital world. Government policy decisions have in part been hindered by concerns that there is not enough information on the scale of the problem, who is most in need of support, how much internet access they need, and how support could be provided. DECA set out to fill the gap with this mahi on the affordable connectivity problem and options to address it. Read more…
Meaningful Digital Access
From our community engagement we found that for people to participate in a digital world they need
Average Household Affordability
The average amounts that households can afford to pay based on engagement with community
$7 per week for internet + $5 for a device
= $17 per week for a two parent, two child household
DECA Recommendations
-
Introduce a digital equity payment to support 58,000 low income families
-
Fund community organisations offering digital skills programmes, devices and wrap around support through an NGO intermediary
-
Partner with local government to fund community hubs
-
Introduce a digital inclusion index