Free Increased Data for Some Liverpool Families

Select Liverpool families to get free increased data allowance in lockdown in a temporary scheme.

17:03 09 January 2021

The government has confirmed a plan for a temporary scheme that could see kids having their data allowance increased to ensure they can continue learning as England enters a third national lockdown due to the Covid-19 virus. 

 

The scheme, which is being supported by a number of the country's largest broadband providers, will target disadvantaged children and families who have struggled to afford the increased costs associated with out of classroom learning. 

 

Schemes were already put in place to provide electronic devices to children during the pandemic but the process was hit by changes to schools' allocations and confusion over the process. In the autumn, Liverpool Council chief education officer warned that there was still a shortage of laptops for kids who needed them if schools were to return to remote learning. 

 

The government is hoping that more companies will join the scheme in providing not just increased data allowance but also laptops, tablets and smartphones to children who cannot afford them.