BT to provide underprivileged children in England with free access to online educational resources, using the current BT Wi-Fi.
Schools in the Uk are still closed and have been since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore online resources for learning have become essential.
However, many families still have trouble finding affordable broadband of an adequate standard for this home schooling.and the fear has been raised they will fall behind.
The eligible students will be offered vouchers, which will allow access to pre-approved sites for the educational purpose.
“Offering up our Wi-fi hotspots estate will ensure that thousands more children will ultimately be able to keep up with their important digital learning and online schoolwork for the rest of term and over the Summer holidays as well as into the Autumn,” said BT Consumer CEO Marc Allera.
“We have committed over £100 million to support pupils with remote education, including to provide laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers to disadvantaged children and young people, and this initiative will build on that work,” added Nick Gibb, School Standards Minister.
“High quality internet access will continue to play an important role for children and families as we work towards pupils returning to schools in September, and I am hugely grateful to BT for their support in delivering this scheme.”
The scheme will be funded by BT, but monitored by the Department of Education.
