The tenants in Northumberland are being provided the opportunity to avail free computer and broadband for a period of six months.
This new trial scheme has been introduced to four landlords in the Northumberland County where a total of 200 lessees have been given this unique opportunity.
The move is being initiated by the team members of the iNorthumberland County Council, to show the people the advantages of being able to access the Internet.
This chosen area is presently one that has very few people who are connected in the whole of the UK; where only one out of five people do not have access to online facilities. This could be attributed to the fact that a computer and a broadband connection are quite expensive.
Tenants participating in this venture would be provided with both computers and broadband connectivity totally free of charge for a period of six months and they would also be offered the requisite support technically in exchange for completing normal surveys related to their utilisation of the Internet.
Fifty places will be allotted to the ISOS Housing Association.
Sara Parker-Clark, the Community Involvement Team Leader stated that people who do not have accessibility to the Internet can fail to benefit from the opportunities that the people who have online connectivity have.
She went on to say that there was a lot of proof to display that homes that have broadband connections are ones that would in all probability change over to the electricity provider that offers the most excellent value for money, save money on their shopping for food and at the same time be able to access facilities such as housing and apply for jobs more easily.
Ms. Parker-Clark said that the county wanted their residents to have the chance to access these facilities and that this venture would offer them that opportunity for free.
Mr. Rajendra Carter, the Northumberland Digital Inclusion Project Manager also said that this was an extremely thrilling initiative and one that they think is an archetype in the country.
He went on to state that they have already been having a lot of enquiries from the national government who are interested in knowing what the end result would be.
People who qualify for the scheme would be provided with a free computer and broadband connection in the month of November.
Any person interested in applying for this venture can get in touch with Isos to avail of an application form by calling 0300 300 1505, and the applications must be filled and tendered by Friday the 21st of September.
