Digital divide stories

GPs urge culturally tailored telehealth to tackle soaring rural obesity in New Zealand as costs forecast to hit USD $46.3 billion by 2060.

Australia’s new social media ban tests tech, parents and business to protect teens, demanding deeper digital literacy and safer algorithms.

Telstra is extending satellite SMS to enterprise staff in remote Australia, adding an extra connectivity layer for dispersed workforces.

2degrees has begun shutting down 3G on around 100 rural NZ sites, urging remaining users of older devices to upgrade to 4G or 5G.

K-Towers and PowerX deploy AI-powered monitoring at ultra-remote Papua New Guinea mobile towers, cutting field visits and boosting uptime.

Australians are drifting to 5G by default rather than demand, as NBN stays the fixed-line backbone despite rising mobile network options.

Gartner warns most carmakers will rein in AI spending within five years, leaving a small, software-led elite to dominate the industry.

The Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance has praised the National AI Plan for focusing on AI skills and digital literacy to reduce digital exclusion in Australia.

Australia's National AI and Data Centre Plan sparks calls for enforceable energy standards amid rising power demands and concerns for small businesses.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth lead cultural preservation in a digital age, with Universal Acceptance key to bridging the digital divide.

TELUS expands its Buy One, Give One scheme, donating phones and plans to Canadian youth leaving care during Black Friday purchases.

Over 60% of UK tech firms plan to boost sustainability budgets by 10.5% in 2025, embedding environmental responsibility into everyday business.

New Zealand farmers gain improved high-speed satellite internet through Amazon's Project Kuiper, boosting digital tools across remote agricultural regions.

Mihup champions human-centred voice AI that supports multiple Indian languages and accents, aiming to boost accessibility beyond urban areas.

Telecom Fiji has launched a new fibre network from Savusavu to Labasa, providing faster, more reliable internet to northern communities and boosting digital access.

Around 20% of Australians still face digital exclusion, prompting calls for a national plan to boost access, skills and AI literacy across the country.

RAD sets a five-year plan to close Aotearoa's digital divide for youth through device access, digital skills, and systemic partnerships.

Nelson launches AI literacy tools in November to boost knowledge and responsible use among Canadian educators and students amidst low national AI awareness.

Rackspace Technology cut emissions by 10% in a year and aims for net-zero carbon by 2045, backed by Science Based Targets initiative validation.

Australia leads the digital accessibility revolution, adopting WCAG 2.2 standards to ensure online inclusion for all, including 4.4 million with disabilities.