1 comment.Digital Connect scheme to assist low-income families address digital divide
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The Digital Connect scheme, a pilot project aimed at addressing digital divide, has been launched which will reach around 2,300 families.
In Gozo, it will be carried out in the localities of Ghajnsielem, Kercem and Sannat.
Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, Family and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon and Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri launched the €2 million scheme.
Silvio Schembri said that.through this pilot scheme – and for this there is a means test – these selected families will be entitled to a laptop as well as a €300 internet voucher for a whole year.
He explained that, ”for this scheme we have identified low-income families who have consequently fallen behind in terms of technology and therefore this pilot project is aimed at boosting inclusion and digital skills.”
It was explained that those who will benefit from this pilot project scheme are those who are currently benefiting from some social security services, namely those who: are in possession of a pink card, receive a non-contributory pension, receive social assistance, are single parents, and those who are receiving assistance if unemployed.
This scheme will also be launched through a pilot project which will take place in the following localities in Malta: Pembroke, Hal Luqa, Swieqi, Zebbug (Malta), Gzira, Mtarfa, Naxxar, Siggiewi, Birgu, Rabat (Malta), Hal Qormi, and Had-Dingli.
The Ministers said that the identified families will be receiving a letter and from then onwards the application process will be initiated. Each household may submit only one application while each applicant will be eligible to apply only once. The scheme is not based on a first-come-first-served basis and every application will be carefully vetted.
In addition, applicants have the duty to ensure that the laptop cannot be transferred or used by third parties. In fact, an audit will be done on the laptops that are to be given. Disciplinary action may be taken if the laptop is not used for personal use, i.e. if it is transferred, they said.
It was also explained that all laptop guarantees will be open the moment a laptop is picked up by the authorised seller after the applicant successfully submits the letter of acceptance and presents their ID Card. In case of loss, the Malta Digital Innovation Authority must be informed.
In the case of a €300 free internet voucher, these will be distributed by registered letter by mail.
To apply one may do so in person at the Malta Digital Innovation Authority in Mriehel. Applicants must take with them their identity card and letter of eligibility.
One may also visit the Digital Connect stand which will be in the mentioned localities as they will be guided by the leaflet they will receive together with the letter of eligibility by post. The scheme is open between Monday, the 29th of November and Tuesday, the 21st of December.
For more information please call on Freephone 8007 2323 as from Tuesday, the 23rd of November, or by visiting www.mdia.gov.mt/digitalconnect.
Photo: DOI/Clodagh O’Neill
This is a great and very worthwhile thing to do. I would like to suggest people like myself elderly with low income and struggle to pay the current WiFi charges. All 3 main servers can afford to lessen the charges to people like us. We are urged to use the Internet as much as we can even to book for a Swab Test, to fill up Census and so many other things. As the refrigerator became indispensable so has WiFi. But many people like myself do not use it a lot but are charges as ones who drain it hard.
Yet private companies look mostly at money not people.