Gordon MacDonald SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands has welcomed the recent launch of Vodafone’s charities.connected, an initiative to tackle digital exclusion and connect one million people by the end of 2022.
This initiative gives charities the opportunity to apply for free connectivity to help individuals and families they support get online or to improve its own digital capability.
The connectivity, in the form of SIM cards offering 20GB of data plus free calls and texts every month for six months, will work in any SIM-enabled device.
Registered charities of any size can apply by completing a simple online application form with applications closing on 1 November 2022.
Gordon MacDonald said: “The pandemic has highlighted the scale of digital exclusion and in particular its impact on the most vulnerable in society.
“Digital connectivity is increasingly essential to access work, education, healthcare and to keep in touch with family and friends.
“The Scottish Government is already providing support in tackling digital exclusion through their Connecting Scotland programme and this initiative from Vodafone contributes in those efforts to close the digital divide.
“I would encourage third sector organisations providing support to families and individuals that would benefit from this initiative to apply.”