Government digital champion Martha Lane Fox has announced a drive to get everyone online in the UK, which could lead to £22bn saving.
The co-founder of lastminute.com announced plans to get every working-age person using the web by 2012.
Launching her "Manifesto for a Networked Nation," Lane Fox called on the government, industry and charities to take urgent action to help get every British citizen online.
She said 7 million job ads were online last year, yet 900,000 unemployed people did not currently use the internet.
Plans include a rewards scheme to encourage first time users, she said the government should expect people to use some key online public services and provide training to those who need help.
And a national equipment recycling scheme could also be developed for the 12 million web-enabled devices shipped into the UK every year, allowing new users cheaper access.
Writing in the Mirror, Lane Fox said: "It is a challenge for people and organisations in every corner of our country to inspire, encourage and support as many new people as possible to get online by the end of the Olympic year.
"I would like to see everyone who is looking for work online, as well as everyone who is about to retire. This ambition would create real social change.
"Research shows that if everyone was online, total benefits will be in excess of £2bn with households saving on average £560 a year."
The prime minister praised the campaign, he said: "Promoting digital inclusion is essential for a dynamic modern economy and can help to make government more efficient and effective."


Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.