Carnival Internet UK partners with Community TechAid to combat digital poverty and e-waste

Carnival Internet UK has partnered with grassroots charity Community TechAid to help tackle digital exclusion and e-waste in the UK, where an estimated 1.7 million households lack internet access and the country produces over 1.6 million tonnes of electronic waste annually.

The partnership will provide access to technology for those who need it most while refurbishing and redistributing devices to prevent unnecessary landfill waste. The initiative will also promote volunteering and skill-sharing while raising awareness about digital inclusion and sustainability.

Community TechAid, based in Brixton, South London, has been working to reduce digital poverty in London since its inception in March 2020. With a small team of staff and a network of volunteers, the charity repairs and redistributes technology to individuals in need, ensuring access to essential digital resources.

Carnival Internet UK, has committed to donating 1% of its customers’ bills to charitable initiatives, starting with Community TechAid. The company will also engage in fundraising, device donations, sponsorships, and employee volunteering opportunities to further support the charity’s mission.

Stephanie Charbine, Partnership and Engagement Manager at Community TechAid, said: “Community TechAid has already redistributed over 5,000 devices, diverted over 20 tonnes of e-waste from landfills, and provided over 300 hours of digital skills training.

“The support from Carnival Internet UK will allow us to expand our reach, refurbish more devices, and provide vital digital skills training to individuals facing digital exclusion, including families, job seekers, refugees, and students. By redistributing devices, we not only help those in need but also significantly reduce e-waste, making a lasting impact on both communities and the environment.”

Carnival Internet, part of Dotlines UK, also champion broader environmental initiatives, including tree and kelp planting and carbon offsetting, as part of their commitment to sustainability. It plans to plant one million trees in its first five years.

Olly Sedden, Director of Product, Commercial and Marketing at Dotlines UK, said: “At Carnival Internet UK, we’re in a privileged position to be starting a business from scratch, so we were keen to start as we mean to go on; using our technology and business to drive positive change in the world around us. This partnership with Community TechAid aligns with our mission to ensure digital access is a right, not a privilege. By donating a percentage of all our customers’ bills from our high-quality broadband, we can support the repurposing of devices to those that need them most; not only doing our bit to help bridge the digital divide but also leading the way in sustainable and socially responsible business practices from day one.”