Hyperoptic's move to provide free broadband to families without a reliable Internet connection underscores the value of the comms sector to the UK's economy and population as a whole, according to Head of Networks at NTT DATA UK, Matthew O’Neill.
Hyperoptic has partnered with 37 local authorities and is giving out promotional codes for 50Mbps service until the end of the academic year to combat the effects of digital poverty on home-schooling.
Ofcom estimates that over 880,000 children live in a household with only a mobile Internet connection and the Sutton Trust report that just 10% of teachers said all their pupils had access to the internet for learning.
O’Neill said: “This is the latest example of the telecoms sector’s rapid response to the Covid crisis, with major players coming together to launch a host of new support schemes to address the digital divide.
"This is a critical moment for the UK telecommunications sector to demonstrate its value for the UK economy.
"Finally, we are on the cusp of fixed-line broadband and mobile networks reaching every corner of the UK, so everyone can benefit from all that technology has to offer."
Hyperoptic hopes to connect at least 2,500 families with this free offer in the next month.
Liam McAvoy, Senior Director of Business Development, Hyperoptic, said: Every child deserves to be able to virtually learn and harness the opportunities that are enabled by connectivity.
"We hope others in the industry join us in providing free connectivity to families that need most.”