In a deal with West Everton Community Council, Vodafone will provide free online connectivity to low-income families under its Better Connected programme. Tony McDonough reports
Telecommunications giant Vodafone is providing free online connectivity to 250 low-income families in north Liverpool in a six month pilot programme.
In a deal with West Everton Community Council (WECC), Vodafone will provide connectivity to the families under its Better Connected programme, via mobile wi-fi hotspots and unlimited data SIM cards. They also also donating 20 laptops to be loaned out to households.
The coronavirus epidemic and subsequent lockdown has forced schools across the UK to move to online lessons and tutoring. This is challenging for many, but for low-income households who frequently don’t have devices and connectivity they need.
Vodafone’s connectivity can be used across multiple devices, enabling the whole family to access schoolwork and the internet. It will also help them stay connected with friends and family.
The pilot will be led by Cllr Jane Corbett, Liverpool’s Assistant Mayor for Fairness and Tackling Poverty, and be managed by a steering group made up of representatives from WECC, Daisy Inclusive UK, Citizen’s Advice Liverpool, Action for Children and Liverpool City Council.
Its objective is to support low-income families with one or more children under 12 in the Everton area of Liverpool. Cllr Corbett said: “Even before lockdown, many families were struggling to meet basic needs such as food, fuel and household internet.
“Once schools closed, there was an urgent need to ensure every child could continue to access their education. Together, with trusted partners such as Vodafone, we can help make this happen and so build a fairer future for all our children.”
Adam Byrne, chair of WECC, added“We’re really excited about working with Vodafone on this pilot project and very grateful for their generosity. Digital access is a basic need and our families here cannot afford to be disconnected from their schoolwork, their extended families and the wider community.”
If the six-month project is deemed to be a success it may be extended further. Helen Lamprell, general counsel and external affairs director, Vodafone UK said: “The pandemic has impacted everyone in the UK, but has had a particularly devastating effect on children from low income families.
“Technology can play a crucial role in improving the lives of families under financial pressure, helping them to stay connected and access education so that they don’t get left behind.”