Connectivity in Stockport has been in the news alot over the past 12 months with improvements being made with fibre for both residents and businesses.
Social Landlord Stockport Homes has partnered with leading WiFi and Digital Inclusion Solutions provider CommunityUK.net to launch ‘WiFi@3S’, a free pilot WiFi broadband service for the residents of Brecon, Conway and Ludlow Towers in Brinnington, Stockport.
The service will provide tenants of the “Three Sisters” with a completely FREE 4mb service, along with a range of low cost increased speed services for those who want them.
As connection to this state of the art service does not require a landline, mobile phone or any other form of contract, Stockport Homes is looking to encourage and facilitate the digital connectivity of its residents in an area where the uptake of digital technology has been particularly low to-date.
Stockport Homes will also be working closely with CommunityUK and local social enterprise Startpoint Woodley on the delivery of a comprehensive digital inclusion program that will ensure tenants have easy access to all the training and support they need to make the most of the digital services on offer.
A converted flat in Brecon Towers, the ‘SK1pad’ will serve as a Digital Training Hub for tenants looking to develop and improve their digital skills, and there will also be access to a range of low cost computer equipment for tenants who need it.
Roger Philips, Chair of the Board at Stockport Homes’ said: “This pilot project is a radical new step in our efforts to include more of our customers in the digital revolution, and make sure everyone has the opportunity to get online. The lessons we learn from this pilot will be used to develop digital schemes for many more residents in the borough.”
Peter Reed-Forrester, Managing Director of CommunityUK went onto say: “By providing Stockport Homes’ residents with an affordable internet connection and the support needed to connect with the digital world, we are not only helping to improve their standard of living but also providing the opportunity for them to improve how they live, work and learn. Finding work, managing finances and benefits, learning new skills and communicating with friends and family are all important activities that have moved predominantly on-line in today’s society. We aim to ensure that everyone has access to them, regardless of location or financial status.”
The official launch date for the service is the 29th July. This will be celebrated in true community fashion, with an afternoon event running from 2.30-6.00pm to provide residents with advice and guidance on how to connect to and use the service, details of the services to be offered at the SK1Pad along with refreshments, and children’s activities offered throughout the afternoon. When registering for the service, residents will be automatically entered into a prize draw offering them the chance to win many amazing prizes, including three lucky residents who will win a FREE year’s supply of upgraded high speed internet service worth over £190.00, and three residents who will win a tablet computer worth £90.00!
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