Get Online London has supported over 100,000 digitally excluded Londoners through 1,106 Digital Inclusion Hubs across the capital.

Businesses and public bodies urged to donate unwanted mobile phones, laptops, and IT equipment to help more Londoners get online.

City Hall has donated over 700 devices, with the Mayor encouraging other organisations to follow suit.

Driving digital inclusion in London

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is urging businesses and public organisations to donate unused IT equipment to help tackle digital exclusion in the capital. Through Get Online London, the city’s first dedicated digital inclusion service, more than 100,000 Londoners have already received vital support, ensuring they have the necessary devices, connectivity, and skills to access essential online services.

Digital exclusion remains a significant issue across the city, affecting health, education, employment, and social participation. Approximately two million Londoners still face barriers to digital access, including a lack of personal devices or struggles with online services. Alarmingly, more than 250,000 residents are entirely offline, with no internet access whatsoever.

Bridging the gap with free digital access

To combat this, Get Online London—a collaboration between City Hall, the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI), and the Good Things Foundation—has established 1,106 Digital Inclusion Hubs across every London borough. These hubs provide free internet access, helping those who cannot afford connectivity. So far, the initiative has distributed 88,500 data packages, ensuring more Londoners can stay connected.

Additionally, a National Databank has been launched, offering a sustainable solution for digital inclusion by providing free internet access to those in need.

Donating IT equipment for a greener, more connected London

The Get Online London initiative also focuses on sustainable digital access by refurbishing donated IT equipment securely and responsibly. So far, 7,119 refurbished devices have been redistributed to Londoners who lack digital access, reducing e-waste and supporting the city's net-zero goals.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has recently pledged to donate over 700 City Hall devices, setting an example for businesses and public organisations. He is encouraging companies and institutions—including the Metropolitan Police Service, Thames Water, London Councils, and local borough councils—to join the initiative and make a tangible difference in closing London’s digital divide.

By donating unused IT equipment, businesses and public bodies can help create a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable London.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Get Online London has been a huge success and I’m really proud that we’ve now reached more than 100,000 Londoners, working alongside the London Office of Technology and Innovation and the Good Things Foundation to tackle digital exclusion.

“Demand for devices still far outstrips supply, so we must do more. That’s why I’m calling on businesses and public bodies to donate mobile phones, laptops and other IT kit to help us fix the digital divide and ensure access for all. Devices an organisation no longer needs can be essential lifelines for others, and together we can build a better and fairer London for everyone.”

Genta Hajri, Digital Innovation Delivery Lead, London Office of Technology and Innovation, said: “The ability to get online is such a basic and increasingly vital part of being fully included in society: to access education, work, look after our health and wellbeing and to connect with friends and family.

“We’re delighted by the progress that's already been achieved with Get Online London and encourage organisations from the public and private sectors to support this work to ensure no Londoner is left behind.”

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive Officer, Good Things Foundation, said: “Thousands of Londoners are still offline. They are unable to participate in everyday life - from accessing essential services, to finding work and connecting with their loved ones - leaving them feeling disconnected from the digital world we live in.

“Businesses who donate their disused devices and equipment to Get Online London, London's Digital Inclusion Service, are helping to tackle digital exclusion with zero tech waste and giving people the opportunity to get online. Help solve one of today's biggest problems, and together we can fix the digital divide for good.”  

To find out more about how to donate devices and support Get Online London, please visit: https://loti.london/get-online-london/

Photo by Brian Kerrigan, Wikimedia commons.