Free Computer & Internet Access for Children aged 7-14 of Low Income Families

bestpud

sb18180 wrote: »

does anyone know if you can you use the grant for home broadband like virgin media? or does it have to be used on mobile broadband from tmobile or 3g?

It has to be mobile broadband and tmobile and 3 are the only companies.

only_mee

What happens when the child turns 14 does the equipment and BB get "removed"?

mummy2three_2

i beleive the equipment is yours to keep and the BB contract can be renewed after the free 12 mth period if you wish but there is no contract so your not tied into anything, i am new to all this though so feel anyone free to correct me if im wrong.

does anyone have any experience of the pc's that are on offer i have only been able to find 2 so far the slimine all in one from BLi and cant remember where i saw the other one with a tower, just wondered if anyone thought they were anygood,
I will try to read replies asap but might not get back on for a while as i am at my mums at the moment as my computer has been slowly dying and finally gave up 6 wks before xmas,

any info is much appreciatted

thanx

sb18180

that all in one from bli is more expensive you have to put some cash towards it and it only has windows xp with 3 network. YAK what a terrible package.
and thanks for the info bestpud.

thestephensons

How long does it take after posting paperwork back, before you get the award? i heard it takes ages.

only_mee

thestephensons wrote: »

How long does it take after posting paperwork back, before you get the award? i heard it takes ages.

I have read the thread, why can't you?

lucinad

thestephensons wrote: »

How long does it take after posting paperwork back, before you get the award? i heard it takes ages.

ooooooooooooh the effort and patience needed!... i wouldnt bother!
but seriously no it doesnt take ages, i think the longest thing you will wait for is your c/b letter i rang for my home access form on the 7th jan and recieved my laptop in my house on 2nd feb but i seriously dont see the problem, it is a free laptop to enhance your childs education, does it matter how long it takes?!

portlandboy

thestephensons wrote: »

How long does it take after posting paperwork back, before you get the award? i heard it takes ages.

Hi,

We saw the link in MSE weekly email about 3 weeks ago. I called the Home Access line then and from that point to receiving the grant took 2 1/2 weeks. That included receiving the application form, retuning it with proof of entitlement, receiving the grant card and PIN and receiving our proof documents back by recorded delivery. I ordered the laptop last Friday via Centreprise who quoted an expected delivery time of 4-5 working days. So I hope to get the machine this coming week, making the whole process about 4 weeks in total. I'd say that is quick for a(government involved) scheme like this.

You might like to know that most of the online companies operating this scheme also sell via local mobile phone shops such as TMobile and Phones4U, but when I contacted my local Phones4U (who sell for Centreprise), they had to order the chosen computer from Centerprise anyway. So, if you are looking to purchase from these places, I think it may be just as easy (and maybe quicker) to call your chosen internet supplier on their freephone number directly. Obviously the quickest way of all would be to get one from a local electrical retailer but personally I was not impressed with the choices they had. Comet stock one laptop on the grant scheme, so no choice at all!

portlandboy

only_mee wrote: »

I have read the thread, why can't you?

"Why can't you" be a little nicer with your reply?? It takes just as long to post an answer as it does to be sarcastic.:huh:

mummy2three_2

thanx sb18180 will take that info on board

also has anyone had any experience or know anything about assisted technology needs? i beleive my friend will be claiming for this and cant seem to find anything out about it

thanx in advance