Highlighting the ‘connectivity gap’ with Vodafone

Mind the (connectivity) gap

We joined our strategic partner Vodafone UK in the heart of the capital to highlight the shocking statistic that five million people are missing out on 5G - creating a ‘connectivity gap.’

We’ve teamed up to raise awareness that rural and deprived communities will be left behind unless they get access to 5G. 

The artwork, by 3DJoe&Max, used the famous underground phrase, ‘mind the gap’ first used in 1969, to illustrate the gap between major cities and the rest of the country. 

Committed to closing the connectivity gap

We and Vodafone UK are committed to closing the ‘gap’, which is also known as the digital divide, and believe that in an increasingly digital society, everyone should have access to the latest digital connectivity and skills needed to make use of it, in a way that is affordable. 

Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO, Good Things Foundation said:

“A staggering 5 million people are locked out from the benefits of 5G connectivity, many from deprived or rural communities. Good Things Foundation is proud to work with our strategic partner Vodafone to help raise awareness of the connectivity gap and tackle digital exclusion through our National Digital Inclusion Network. Together, we can help fix the digital divide for good."​

Andrea Dona, Networks Director, Vodafone UK added:

“Everyone should have access to connectivity and it’s shocking that five million people are missing out due to this connectivity gap. Of course, it’s not just affordability, it’s also accessibility. Without access, people, often in rural and deprived communities, are missing out on the benefits and opportunities 5G brings. We want to propel our country forwards and as part of our proposed merger with Three UK, would deliver 95% 5G standalone population coverage by 2030 and 99% by 2034.”

Tackling the digital divide

Tackling the digital divide has long been at the heart of Vodafone. Their everyone.connected initiative has seen them donate connectivity and tech to those who need it most by working with their partners, including Good Things; offering targeted, affordable tariffs and services; and working with our partners to upskill businesses and communities.

Vodafone’s proposed merger with Three UK will help close the digital connectivity divide by delivering nationwide 5G Standalone coverage to everyone, leaving no community behind. If the merger is approved, this will be delivered without the need for public funding, delivering the Labour Government’s manifesto ambition of national 5G coverage by 2030.