Minister snubbed offer of cheap broadband for kids
Vital BT vouchers were sent back
GAVIN Williamson rejected an offer of free or cheap broadband for thousands of disadvantaged families.
BT offered basic connections to allow children to access online learning and sent free wifi vouchers to the Government in June.
But the Department for Education “struggled to distribute them” and sent them back.
Embattled Education Secretary Mr Williamson yesterday announced a string of mobile providers would offer free extra data to disadvantaged families.
However, as early as spring 2020 BT asked the department to identify families who needed internet access, offering to supply them as a “priority” and at cost-price.
But in a letter to Labour MP Sarah Owen, BT executive Marc Allera said the department had declined the offer. He went on: “The department struggled to distribute these vouchers effectively and handed them back to us.
“We regret this decision. Had the department taken this approach, many of these families would have affordable and unlimited broadband by now.” The Department for Education said it did not offer the vouchers after an initial pilot, claiming they did not meet needs for a consistent connection. But Shadow Schools Minister Wes Streeting said: “Gavin Williamson must urgently explain why he is turning down offers to help get every child online whi le hundreds of thousands are struggling.”
The revelation comes after more than 40 MPs wrote to internet companies, including BT, urging them to provide access for hard-up families.