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

portlandboy

UN17ED wrote: »

Where did you get this for the extra memory for £30 as I can only see it for £50

I got this from Centerprise on a "device only" grant. I think that they add £50 for the upgrade if you have the "device & internet" grant. Why though, I have no idea!

UN17ED

portlandboy wrote: »

I got this from Centerprise on a "device only" grant. I think that they add £50 for the upgrade if you have the "device & internet" grant. Why though, I have no idea!

Are you from Portland in Dorset? If so how is your internet on there?

Mackliven

It would appear in my haste, I mistakenly opted for the device only instead of the full package (inc Internet access) in my original application. When I phoned their helpline number they advised that because they are only a Call Centre, I would need to write to Home Access direct in Darlington to get the order changed.
However, having done this, they have now written back basically saying 'tough' - "No orders can be changed after submission & you cannot submit another application". This was apparently from their Complaints Manager.

Being a single parent on IB, I cannot afford to fund the extra £128 myself for my daughter and although appreciative of the pc she is due to get, I feel she will not be able to put it to its full potential without the internet access (no internet at home and writing this on a friend's pc/profile).

Any suggestions on if, how or who I can contact to help resolve this issue would be greatly appreciatied. Thanks

egghead

well, my sis called uo today to inquire about her application,

she recieved cb letter back on 26th jan, and still no decision, they said there still dealing with it????

so 2 weeks later and still no decision?

take it shes the only one waiting by this tread.

looby75

Mackliven wrote: »

It would appear in my haste, I mistakenly opted for the device only instead of the full package (inc Internet access) in my original application. When I phoned their helpline number they advised that because they are only a Call Centre, I would need to write to Home Access direct in Darlington to get the order changed.
However, having done this, they have now written back basically saying 'tough' - "No orders can be changed after submission & you cannot submit another application". This was apparently from their Complaints Manager.

Being a single parent on IB, I cannot afford to fund the extra £128 myself for my daughter and although appreciative of the pc she is due to get, I feel she will not be able to put it to its full potential without the internet access (no internet at home and writing this on a friend's pc/profile).

Any suggestions on if, how or who I can contact to help resolve this issue would be greatly appreciatied. Thanks

unfortunately it makes it very clear on the application form and guidance notes for filling it in that there is NO way of changing your application once it's been submitted.

I don't know if it's any help but you can get pay as you go internet dongles, my friend doesn't have a landline so uses an O2 PAYG, she spends about £15 a month on it. The dongle itself cost about £20 to buy.

bestpud

egghead wrote: »

well, my sis called uo today to inquire about her application,

she recieved cb letter back on 26th jan, and still no decision, they said there still dealing with it????

so 2 weeks later and still no decision?

take it shes the only one waiting by this tread.

There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the way they are processed tbh.

My friend called for an application form the day after me and yet received it a day earlier...

People on here have waited varying times too and the card/pins have sometimes arrived together and others separate with either one coming first.

It's just random I think.

I did wonder at one time if they process certain areas differently though...

It says they don't specifically target certain areas but they do monitor the applications to ensure an even geographical spread. I wonder if they get around disparities by processing some areas quicker, or differently iyswim?

Just my thoughts though and I may be completely wrong!

Could just be some workers are more efficient and it's pot luck whose pile your application ends up in. Or, perhaps so many have to be double checked, and they are pulled out at random?

All that said, it is a long time she's been waiting! I'm glad they have told her they are dealing with it so she at least knows it is in the system and will turn up at some point.

mb6967

Zziggi wrote: »

I've limited our choice down to two laptops but I'm struggling to see which of the following is better. Can anyone help?

P.S. have to have t-mobile as there's no "3" coverage round here.


only difference i can see is that the toshiba has a slightly faster processor.

Can anyone who knows more about computers comment please?

i chose the samsung one for my son,amazing machine,effortless with everything,various applications open and its brilliant i'd highly recommend it

mb6967

johebr wrote: »

From what i have read on here, nearly everyone has said it's taken 2 to 3weeks to either have a laptop or to get a reply, it's been 4 weeks today since i phone for the application form, that came quick, received that after 4 days, CB took 2 1/2 weeks and it has been exactley a week today since i psted the form and i have heard nothing what so ever.

I'm now in 2 minds weather i should give them a ring to see if they have recieved my application.

I'm not bothered about how long it takes really, i just hate not knowing whats going on, especially when you read that others seem to have got it sorted alot quicker.

i'd give them a call,the entire process for me from application to getting the laptop took 2 weeks from start to finish

clancy

Mackliven wrote: »

It would appear in my haste, I mistakenly opted for the device only instead of the full package (inc Internet access) in my original application. When I phoned their helpline number they advised that because they are only a Call Centre, I would need to write to Home Access direct in Darlington to get the order changed.
However, having done this, they have now written back basically saying 'tough' - "No orders can be changed after submission & you cannot submit another application". This was apparently from their Complaints Manager.

Being a single parent on IB, I cannot afford to fund the extra £128 myself for my daughter and although appreciative of the pc she is due to get, I feel she will not be able to put it to its full potential without the internet access (no internet at home and writing this on a friend's pc/profile).

Any suggestions on if, how or who I can contact to help resolve this issue would be greatly appreciatied. Thanks

Its a long shot but if you have SKY they do a limited amount of free broadband in each area the next price is £5 per month which is what i have had for a long time and am very happy with

portlandboy

UN17ED wrote: »

Are you from Portland in Dorset? If so how is your internet on there?

Was on the island but now exiled to mainland! Internet is usually fine but it's been REALLY slow since last Friday (TalkTalk)