£300 Million Broadband Plan for Disadvantaged Homes
by SoftwareGuru
posted Monday 3rd November 2008 10:02 GMT
Last month one of our blog topics discussed the inequality in the education system and whether the internet and cheap software would help bridge this digital divide. It's a theme which we strongly believe in.
Pupils and students from all backgrounds must be given every opportunity to learn and further their education.
The Plan Has Been Approved
So it is pleasing to hear that the £300m plan to provide broadband access to a million disadvantaged homes, first suggested by the Prime Minister in his Labour Party Conference speech, will begin after Christmas.
Details have been released explaining how the scheme will be implemented across the UK. 20,000 children between 7 and 18 from disadvantaged families in Suffolk and Oldham will be invited to take part in trial runs next February.
If all goes well, the scheme will become available nationwide in Autumn 2009.
How To Qualify
To qualify for the grant – handed out to pay for a computer, software, one year’s broadband access and ongoing technical support – families must earn less than £15,500 per year or be on Income Support.
If the scheme is a success, it has been estimated that 150,000 children could benefit. A target goal for every 5 to 19-year old to have internet access has been mentioned.
Schools minister Jim Knight spoke on the scheme's go-ahead: "There has to be a culture where families see home access is as important as ensuring their children have pen, paper and calculator," he added. "It is no longer an optional extra for school work, it is essential."
Here at SAM UK we'll be monitoring this story closely. Fingers crossed!
