For the second question… One of the first priorities would have to be meeting people where they are at to understand the challenges that they face , to understand the networks of support around them, and then to invest in those trusted faces and trusted places.
Then - offer immediate solutions! ‘Is your phone too old? Here’s how you can swap it for one that makes the grade’. ‘Here’s our refurbished devices portal, where you can trade in your 3g phone for a 4g at no cost to you!’ ‘Here’s how you can get support with data’ (Shout out to Good Things Foundation Databank, for instance…Data Bank
All communication plans for network sunsets should include specific plans for the vulnerable groups. When refarming spectrum from 3G to 5G or 4G, for example, the public-private roadmaps should include all partners that support and work with those groups to understand their needs and behaviour when it comes to connectivity (including the major use, gender gap, sharing devices etc) so all is solved and no one is left behind before a full sunset. Before that, a graceful geographical and spectrum partial sunset can happen.
And yes! Partnering with community organisations such as those who are part of Good Things’ National Digital Inclusion Network. These hubs have digital inclusion services that are delivered tailored to their communities, as you know Shona - they are really strong organisations that have appropriate outreach and credibility (they’re trusted!) that their local residents will engage with
Through trusted partners, by going to where they are rather than expecting them to come to you. Developing messaging which vulnerable people understand. There is a strong risk that people will not understand that a change is coming and that it will affect the until it happens. As an example we have worked with utility companies Kidney Care UK utility partnerships | Kidney Care UK The utility companies have a duty to keep their customers safe, and many have specific support for the vulnerable. We have provided training for their helplines, promoted the priority services register and provided info to their customers who have kidney disease. Mobile service providers could consider how to understand their customers and work in partnerships with experts.
The final thing I want to add is that we need to ensure that there are communicative feedback loops so that people feel they’re part of a conversation (with Service Providers who are decommissioning - that’ll help people feel like their voices are heard and may improve their learning and confidence, as they’re in a dialogue where their comments and concerns are recognised)
We should aim to build peer support networks for young people going through the same issue and try to offer support on how to upgrade affordably. Also a few people have said through trusted partners which is a great point!
Targeting national bodies - which can then feed through approach strategies would be a good option. Local partners often localise there responses, in respect to their specific local environment and vulnerable sections.
The Foundation recently conducted research on the key issues that women entrepreneurs face in leveraging technology in business and just released the research report, delivered in partnership with Intuit, called Bridging the Divide: Women, Technology and Business Success. This research is an important example of how to engage vulnerable groups, and understand what is preventing them from benefitting from advancements in technology. Bridging the Divide: Women, Tech and Business Success - Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
Key findings included: Women entrepreneurs have a significant and growing reliance on digital but face barriers: Over nine out of 10 (92.8%) of respondents report high internet usage, predominantly on smartphones (92.1%). Yet, costs and network disruptions are significant barriers to internet access for 69.1% and 67.3% respectively. This is particularly concerning given a quarter (24.4%) of women highlighted increased digital inclusion as a key factor in business success.
Networks are critical – including online: A third (32.8%) of respondents attributed success to improved access to business networks, both virtual and in-person.
Key recommendations included: Make significant investments in bolstering the physical public infrastructure necessary for improved coverage, reliability and speed of broadband services. This is particularly true for remote areas in low and middle income countries, but could also apply to cities, towns and villages, where service standards are suboptimal.
Peer support is ideal Jay - and just sharing the fact that not every young person has more than the absolute basics. Messaging and support could also come through networks like YMCA etc
Having a multiple layered approach works well, thinking about back up routes to communicating also. Particularly when working at community level and engaging with community leaders, elders, youth groups, and community gathering spaces. Allowing for both social media to be used and simple signage as well particularly in crisis times.
Thanks Katie. Beyond communication around transition times, geographies, and what to expect on the whole - communities who may face digital exclusion and be classed as vulnerable may need support on their finances (enabling them to access discounts on newer technologies for example) and technical help would be handy so they understand newer technologies and features (and how that device can enable a newer network such as 4G or 5G)
The support necessary for vulnerable groups in relation to the 3G switch off will be case specific, but will revolve around message delivery, cost pressure, technical understanding of what uses the 3G network, and what are the most appropriate technologies that can take the place of what is being used.
Free access to digital devices to access 4G and 5G particularly for vulnerable communities, remote communities and communities in poverty (Bold I know…!)
To communicate clearly with support groups and local councils
Communicate clearly with their clients that are 3G based – letters are good for the elderly
Agree with Hannah and Dan - help on switch off timelines not just for 3G but also 2G, alternatives (e.g., 2G), cost of upgrades and technical and financial support for those identified as vulnerable and require support
on the key issues that women entrepreneurs face in leveraging technology in business and just released the research report, delivered in partnership with Intuit, called Bridging the Divide: Women, Technology and Business Success. This research is an important example of how to engage vulnerable groups, and understand what is preventing them from benefitting from advancements in technology. 
Women entrepreneurs have a significant and growing reliance on digital but face barriers: Over nine out of 10 (92.8%) of respondents report high internet usage, predominantly on smartphones (92.1%). Yet, costs and network disruptions are significant barriers to internet access for 69.1% and 67.3% respectively. This is particularly concerning given a quarter (24.4%) of women highlighted increased digital inclusion as a key factor in business success.
Make significant investments in bolstering the physical public infrastructure necessary for improved coverage, reliability and speed of broadband services. This is particularly true for remote areas in low and middle income countries, but could also apply to cities, towns and villages, where service standards are suboptimal.
- and just sharing the fact that not every young person has more than the absolute basics. Messaging and support could also come through networks like YMCA etc