Mobile Data scheme to assist the Digitally Excluded

Dave_WP

Hi

Does anyone know of any scheme to assist one of the poorest communities where there appears to be little assistance available.  During the pandemic, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have run a number of digital inclusion initiatives to help the digitally excluded individuals get online and participate in today’s digital world.  Most of these initiatives consisted providing of a computer/laptop/tablet and an initial bundle of mobile data allowance to individuals who could not afford to access to the internet.

The problem comes when the initial mobile data bundle is exhausted.  This often comes as a surprise to the recipient and given the financial perilous state some of these recipients are in, they will just stop using the computer/laptop/tablet as they cannot afford to the ongoing mobile data charges on top of the other financial challenges they face.  Or alternatively, the laptop/tablet/computer just becomes a "door stop" and is not used.

This is where I would welcome thoughts on the best way to promote the concept of a “Mobile Data Discount” scheme for the Digitally Excluded within the telecommunications industry which would operate in a similar manner to the Warm Home Discount scheme within the energy industry.  My thought is it should work in the same way with a levy on all mobile data users to fund this “Mobile Data Discount” for the digital excluded community.

JJ_Egan

No i dont want to pay no levee .

Neil_Jones

What good is a levy going to do?  If these communities can't afford to go online now what difference is that going to make?  They might as well just have a trek up to the local library and use the internet there which will be at no additional cost to them (since they've already technically paid for it anyway).