Thousands of children across the UK need data-enabled devices to access remote learning. Our DevicesDotNow initiative with @futuredotnow distributed over 10,000 devices in the first lockdown. Here’s some of our learning...[1/10]

Providing the device is just the first step - it is vital that the recipient is also provided with enough data to use the device to meet their needs and the right support to use the device effectively. [2/10]

A device without data is useless. Mobile sims are easy to buy but are expensive. 8GB data won't last long if it's the only access you have to the internet & you have children homeschooling as well as paying bills, video calling family & ordering your shopping online. [3/10]

Pay as you go often means a 1 month rolling contract! There are lots of benefits (data pooling, reporting, unlimited data packages) available to those who sign up to monthly contracts, unfortunately, they are not available to PAYG customers. [4/10]

Lots of people in the UK don't use up their monthly data allowance. There is currently no way to donate unused data to those who need it. Providers need to work harder to come up with solutions to allow ordinary people to safely share their data with others. [5/10]

New devices are better than repurposed devices. They are easier to use and allows you to save time and money by taking a standardised approach. It also means community partners who provide vital support are able to help people to set up and use their device remotely. [6/10]

Big businesses don't have lots of redundant kit that can be readily recycled. Any kit they do have is likely to have obsolete operating systems & will take time & expertise to be usable. Setting up a local peer-to-peer device donation scheme here - https://rebootproject.uk/  [7/10]

Distributing devices at scale is complicated and expensive. Work with suppliers to deliver direct to partners in communities who can then match them with connectivity and distribute at a local level. ALWAYS pay for a tracked delivery service. [8/10]

People need the right skills to use their new device effectively. It is important to offer support in setting the device up and ongoing digital skills support. For a lot of people this might be the first time they have used a mobile device or accessed the internet. [9/10]

There is no digital inclusion strategy at the heart of government, despite the critical role digital plays in our lives, society and economy. A Great Digital Catch Up is needed, here we lay out what this could look like - https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/sites/default/files/blueprint-for-a-100-digitally-included-uk-0.pdf [10/10]