Get Online @ Home, the government scheme run in partnership with Microsoft that intends to get more UK citizens using the Internet, has dramatically lowered the prices on refurbished PCs.
A year ago, an Internet-ready computer ordered through Get Online @ Home with a year’s worth of broadband would cost £159. Today, for people on eligible benefits, it’s just £24, plus £2.99 per month for broadband.
Headlined by UK’s Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox, the scheme is also supported by SimplifyDigital – a price comparison service accredited by Ofcom – and a host of computer hardware recycling companies. It is part of the GO ON UK initiative launched in 2012 to boost the digital capability of UK SMEs, charities and the millions of adults who have never been online.
Announced in time for this year’s National Digital Inclusion Conference, the special offer includes a used PC in good condition for £24, and a cheap broadband connection. All computers feature a minimum of 2GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, a 60GB hard drive and a CD drive. For £74 plus broadband fees, customers can get a laptop with the same technical specs and a 14-inch screen, Wi-Fi and webcam.
All computers sold by Get Online @ Home are covered by a 12-month warranty and will be ready to use out of the box.
The deal comes with a compulsory £2.99 per month broadband package from a choice of providers including Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet and Virgin Media. Broadband deals are provided by SimplifyDigital, and customers will also have to pay the provider’s line rental, unless they already cover it as part of their landline contract.
The offer is aimed at 16 million UK residents without basic online skills, and the prices quoted above are reserved for people on benefits. For those not enjoying government support, the cost will be £50 higher, but still considerably cheaper than a year ago.
“By enabling families to get online, we are helping children to get the most out of their education and empowering people to fulfil their ambitions,” said Chris Williams from Get Online @ Home. “With so much online now, from paying bills and banking to job applications, connecting with people and getting the very best deals, being online is no longer a nice to have, it is an essential.”
The offer is available on the Get Online @ Home website.
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Someone do the maths for the benefit claimants!
Jobseekers allowance £71.70 pw
less Gas/ Electric £20
TV licience £5.60
Public transport costs to sign on approx £4.00
Food £35
Council tax £3.50
of the rest of their benefit £3.60 per week or £15.60 a month they usually do top-up their mobile phones to be able to make and receive calls just in case they get a job offer
That leaves This initiative of paying £14 line rental plus £2.99 which is £16.99 per month a nice idea but not exactly practical.
Oh this applies to single over 25s who have shared aaccomodation or over 35s who managed to get into a 1 bed flatt
This is more accurate for a single person:
Jobseekers allowance £71.70 pw
less Gas/ Electric £15
TV licience £5.60
Public transport costs to sign on approx £1.00
Food £15
Council tax £0
Internet: £5
Approx: £72-£42 = £30 for BEER, BACKY, ++ / Week