Connecting the digital divide – Opus is helping Blackpool and beyond

Despite widespread internet access, there is still a deep divide in towns across the North West between those who have the digital skills and confidence to benefit fully and those who do not, writes Opus Broadband.
Ad Feature by Opus Broadband
Published 29th Dec 2023, 07:00 BST
Working with local organisations to connect families in need with free broadband at home. Picture - suppliedWorking with local organisations to connect families in need with free broadband at home. Picture - supplied
Working with local organisations to connect families in need with free broadband at home. Picture - supplied

Having access to the internet and all that it brings in the modern age should not be restricted by rising costs and contracts

To meet the needs of an increasingly digital economy and extend the reach of learning opportunities to underrepresented groups, we donate 20% of our network coverage to schools, charities, religious organisations, housing associates, as well as low income families through our Internet For Everyone Campaign.

This means as many people and groups as possible are connected to the web so we can truly unlock the power of digital for all our communities across Lancashire.

How Opus Broadband are addressing the digital divide

As a broadband company, we believe that having access to the internet at home is essential for families to thrive in today’s digital world, say Opus Broadband.

That is why we started our Internet for Everyone campaign to provide free home broadband connections to low-income families who cannot afford an internet subscription.

We are so committed to this that we are donating 20% of our network capacity to these free connections.

We also provide a free connection to community organisations, to support them and the services they offer.

How it works

We partner with schools, community centres and charitable/community organisations to identify families in financial need who do not have broadband access at home.

Families can be referred for the programme through one of our not-for-profit partners.

We will install and activate a free broadband connection the family home, providing speeds of up to 50 Mbps download. The free service includes the broadband router, installation and an internet connection for as long as they need it. There are no fees, no hidden charges and it’s completely free!

Benefits of a broadband connection at home

  • Having home broadband access provides many benefits to families and children including:
  • Ability to complete homework online and access to educational resources
  • Connectivity for job searches, resume/CV building and skills training
  • Access to Government services, healthcare information and financial programmes
  • Staying connection to family, friends and community support systems
  • Exposure to news, information and entertainment online

By working with community organisations, we hope to reach the families most in need of home internet access.

If you are an organisation which can refer families who would benefit from a free broadband connection, get in touch with us at [email protected], https://opusbroadband.com/internet-for-everyone or call us on 01282 214000.

Related topics:BlackpoolNorth WestinternetBenefitsLancashire