Mobile operators are backing an attempt by the UK government to help millions of individuals, as well as small businesses, who lack digital skills and capabilities.

Vodafone and EE are among the public, private and voluntary sectors supporting a drive to reduce by 25 per cent the number of people who are offline in the UK by 2016.

The contribution of Vodafone is a new smartphone guide which is designed to help first timers understand the mobile internet, as well as offering a range of entry-level Vodafone-branded smartphones.

Recent research published by the BBC found that 21 per cent of the UK’s population lacked basic digital skills and capabilities to get the most out of the internet.

But the problem goes wider, as many smaller firms are also not realising their potential when it comes to the internet.

About one third of SMEs do not have a website; once voluntary, community and social enterprises are included that figure rises to a surprisingly high 50 per cent.

The current initiative, which is jointly led by the government and Go On UK, a digital skills charity, has set out ten aims it wants to achieve in a Digital Inclusion Charter. These include aims such as sharing best practice and establishing a network of so-called digital champions.

Other supporters include the BBC, BT, Microsoft and TalkTalk as well as leading companies such as Asda and Barclays. The voluntary sector is represented by Age UK and Shelter, among others.