Digital inclusion is widely improving in Australia. However, there are still noticeable divides in specific areas according to the latest Australian Digital Inclusion Index.

According to the annual research produced by Telstra, RMIT, and Swinburne University, the overall index score of the country is now 71.1. This has improved by 3.6 points. The calculation of the index encompasses three dimensions, namely access, affordability, and digital ability. The index first came to place last 2015.

Although there’s an overall improvement this year, the research revealed that there were still disparities in the first two metrics. When it comes to the affordability measure, almost 14% of Australians still need to pay more than 10% of their income only to acquire “quality, uninterrupted” connectivity.

There is also a significant divide between metropolitan and regional areas, even with the improvements noted. For metropolitan areas, an index score was 72.9, which is higher than the 67.4 index score calculated for regional areas.

It is also notable that the percentage of “highly excluded” Australians with an index score below 45 improved to 11% of the population. This was a significant improvement from 17% last year. However, the percentage of “excluded” Australians with an index score of 45-61 was still at 17% the same as last year.

According to the director of Swinburne Centre for Social Impact, Jo Barraket, these findings reveal that there are still significant disparities in digital inclusion across the country. The distinguished professor also said that COVID-19 has only magnified these divides.

“The changes to Australians’ daily lives since the emergence of COVID-19 include huge digital uplift so that we can do more online. This has deepened the digital divide and we need more than ever to understand and address the factors that are leaving people and places behind,” she stated.

On the other hand, Lyndall Stoyles, Telstra group executive for sustainability, external affairs, and legal, mentioned that the annual research helps the telco identify gaps across the country. This is where the company should be directing its support.

“This data helps us make sure that we’re targeting our support to areas where we can really make a difference,” she stated.

“We’re building a connected future so everyone can thrive and so that everyone truly means everyone, Telstra runs a range of targeted programs that help people access, afford and develop digital ability whether that’s helping seniors be more tech-savvy or providing supported services for vulnerable customers.”