How do we make sure no one is left behind in the digital world?
Measuring digital inclusion helps Trinidad and Tobago understand who has access to digital opportunities, where inequalities exist and how government can respond with evidence-based policies.
Households covered by the national survey
Households with internet access
National Digital Inclusion Survey reference year
Understanding the Digital Divide
Trinidad and Tobago measures digital inclusion through the National Digital Inclusion Survey (2021), conducted within the national telecommunications framework and aligned with internationally recognised indicators from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The survey covered more than 6,000 households across Trinidad and Tobago using structured data collection methods and recognised statistical indicators. The Central Statistical Office (CSO) contributed to the statistical validation of the findings.
This provides an evidence base for monitoring digital participation and informing national digital transformation policies.
What the Data Reveals
Although approximately 80% of households have internet access, access alone does not guarantee meaningful digital participation.
Older Persons
Differences in digital skills and technology adoption can affect access to online services.
Persons with Disabilities
Accessibility barriers can limit effective participation in digital environments.
Digital Skills
Limited digital literacy can restrict the ability to benefit from connected services.
Regional and Income Gaps
Geographic and socioeconomic differences influence connectivity and digital participation.
Why This Matters for Trinidad and Tobago
Without reliable data, digital inequalities may remain invisible and public resources may not reach the communities that need them most.
National digital inclusion measurement helps government identify underserved populations, design targeted interventions and prioritise investments based on demonstrated needs.
While national surveys require financial and institutional resources, their long-term value lies in better policy targeting, stronger accountability and more inclusive public services.
How Was This Possible?
The survey was supported by a combination of legal, institutional, statistical and data governance arrangements.
01
Legal Framework
Telecommunications Act, Chapter 47:31.
02
Telecommunications Authority
TATT's role in digital inclusion research and telecommunications oversight.
03
International Standards
ITU indicators and relevant UN frameworks.
04
Central Statistical Office
Statistical expertise and validation supporting reliable national findings.
05
Data Collection and Governance
Structured survey methods, documented indicators and established processes for managing statistical information.
Long-Term Public Value
Better Policy Targeting
Direct programmes towards communities experiencing the greatest digital barriers.
Improved Accountability
Provide measurable evidence to support policy evaluation and public reporting.
Smarter Public Investment
Inform resource allocation and reduce the risk of poorly targeted interventions.
Evidence and Reference Sources
The following official publications and data resources support this use case.
Digital Divide / Inclusion - TATT
Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and TobagoNational Digital Inclusion Survey 2021 - Final Report
Central Statistical Office - PDF ReportNational Digital Inclusion Survey 2021
Government of Trinidad and Tobago Open Data PlatformNational Digital Inclusion Survey 2021 Dataset
Published survey data resourceTelecommunications Act, Chapter 47:31
National legal framework - official link to be addedITU ICT Development Index and UN E-Government Frameworks
International reference frameworks