For a Wired Community

Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s free laptop and internet scheme for lower income families now has the green signal from the government with a formal confirmation of its launch. The scheme is one, which is close to the PM’s heart and has been his dream project ever since he was Chancellor back in 1999.

Under this scheme, which has been termed the Home Access Scheme, low income families can apply for a grant giving them a free laptop for life with an internet connection. Although the internet will be valid only for a year, the government hopes that this scheme will bring more people into the digital Britain circle by introducing to them the huge advantages of being digitally connected and internet savvy. The families can continue the internet connection on their own after the year long government sponsored period lapses.

The goal of this scheme is to improve IT skills within the UK and to ultimately make a positive difference in the economy by boosting computer literacy and learning skills through internet tools.

The £300m scheme was outlined in 2008 following which trial runs were conducted in February 2009 in two areas. The success of these trials have paved the way for the full scale launch now where 270,000 families will be given laptops and broadband connections.

However, the government has issued a statement cautioning low income families to apply speedily for a grant which will entitle them to this scheme. As part of earlier schemes low income family children are eligible for free meals at schools. The government has clarified that this eligibility will not suffice for availing of the free laptop.

Families will have to make a fresh application for the grant for the new scheme. Once the processes are complete, the laptops will be made available by 2011, it is expected.

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This entry was posted on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 1:10 pm and is filed under Consumer Market, Techies Corner, Telecommunication Center. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.