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<p>The Government has been clear that ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital
age is a key priority and continues to take steps to offer the support needed.</p><p>Digital
inclusion is a cross-cutting issue that spans social engagement, education, employment,
access to services and many more elements of everyday life. Responsibility for relevant
policies and activities, including monitoring and evaluation, sit across government.</p><p>The
Government has worked closely with the telecoms industry to ensure households across
the country can access fast, reliable digital infrastructure. Superfast broadband
is now available in over 97% of the UK, over 80% of households can access gigabit
broadband, and 4G mobile is available to 99% of the population from at least one network
provider. The Government is also investing £5 billion through our flagship Project
Gigabit programme to bring gigabit broadband to reach hard-to-reach communities.</p><p>The
Government established a cross-Whitehall ministerial group in response to a recommendation
from the House of Lords Communication and Digital Committee’s report on ‘Digital Exclusion’,
published in June 2023. The ministerial group aims to drive progress and accountability
on digital inclusion priorities across Government.</p><p>The group has met twice,
in September 2023 and March 2024, with attendance from the Cabinet Office, Department
for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Department for Culture, Media & Sport,
Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Education, and His Majesty's Treasury.</p><p>To
support those for whom cost may be a barrier, the Government has worked closely with
the telecoms industry to ensure market provision of broadband and mobile social tariffs.
These low-cost, commercial products are available from 28 different providers, across
99% of the UK and start at just £10 per month.</p>
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