Our thinking

Connecting the youth

20 September, 2024

Last week, nexfibre – a next generation broadband company – launched its partnership with UK Youth, with plans to bring its full fibre network to as many as 1,000 youth centres across the country.

6.9 million people in the UK will remain digitally excluded if nothing is done to help them. Although they seem to be the most ‘digitally savvy’ demographic, inequalities in young people’s ability to access and use the internet creates a stark digital divide. Nearly 570,000 young people in the UK lack both a learning device and home internet connection, which can fundamentally impact education and social mobility, perpetuating inequality and life prospects.

Youth centres play a critical role in bridging this gap, but research shows digital infrastructure is one of the most urgent needs for the sector. Youth organisations are struggling with inadequate digital infrastructure and training, while young people lack digital skills and an environment conducive to building them. Recognising this, nexfibre and UK Youth are working together to improve access to high-speed internet for some of the most marginalised communities and disadvantaged young people in the UK.

We’re particularly thrilled to see this partnership become a reality because we helped nexfibre to develop its sustainability strategy and brokered the initial relationship with UK Youth. Well done to the nexfibre and UK Youth team for getting this over the line! We’re excited to see the impact this partnership has on young lives across the country.

By Budd Nicholson