Telus pilot project geared toward low-income families
Telus says it is launching a pilot project to provide affordable Internet to low-income, single-parent families in Alberta because it has a moral responsibility to “bridge the digital divide.”
About 15,000 one-parent families receiving financial support through the Alberta Works Income Support and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) will be offered high-speed Internet service under the Telus Internet for Good program.
In January 2017, the provincial government will be sending those families a coupon code in the mail that entitles them to activate a Telus 25 Mbps (megabits per second) plan with 350 GB of data per month for $9.95 a month.
A similar plan would typically cost about $50 to $60.
Qualifying families will also have the opportunity to buy a low-cost, refurbished computer through Alberta Computers for Schools.
The Alberta Library is supporting the project by offering access to online and in-person digital literacy programs while the Royal Conservatory is providing free online music education. Users will also have access to a Telus online and smartphone safety program.
The one-year pilot project is funded by the Vancouver-based telecom, with no cost to taxpayers. Telus did not release its costs.
A similar program was launched in October for 18,000 single-parent families in British Columbia.
“Telus Internet for Good was created as part of our commitment to bridge the digital divide and provide Internet access for all Albertans,” said Telus president and CEO Darren Entwistle.
“Disconcertingly, there are tens of thousands of families here in the province who are without home Internet service, not because the technology is not available, but because they can’t afford it.”
More than half of all households in Canada with annual incomes of less than $30,000 do not have an Internet connection. Although often regarded as luxuries, a computer and Internet connection can help families apply for jobs, complete school assignments online or connect with friends, Entwistle said.
“Clearly, we have a moral obligation to help our younger generation achieve their dreams and fulfil their potential,” Entwistle said.
The program is initially aimed at single-parent families receiving income assistance, but could be expanded to include other lowincome segments of the population, said Jill Schnarr, Telus vicepresident of community affairs.
“We specifically picked this group because this is a group that the province identified as being very vulnerable and they wanted to provide support,” Schnarr said. “But the idea would be that we would roll it out to other low-income groups across the province, such as people with disabilities.”
Alberta Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir said the provincial government welcomes help to reduce poverty from partners including corporations like Telus.
“Poverty is a complex social issue and collaborative, innovative partnerships are needed to address that,” Sabir said.
“Everyone from individuals, families, communities, private and non-profit organizations to government need to come together to address poverty and ensure a brighter future for children and families.”