Blackburn's IMO Charity working with Opus Broadband

What is our Internet for everyone programme?

Internet for everyone is our Digital Social Initiative and our commitment to bridging the digital divide across towns and cities in the North West. We donate broadband to schools, charities, community groups, social landlords, and local authorities.

What we do

We donate 20% of our network coverage to deliver free broadband to families and organisations that need it the most to help close the digital divide.

Why we do it

We believe not enough is being done by the national Internet Service Providers to bridge the digital divide.

Whilst social tariffs have been introduced these are still at a cost to even the most disadvantaged families.

At Opus Broadband we decided we could make a real difference.

As an independent internet provider we are able to go the extra mile and offer our connections completely free of charge to those who would otherwise be without.

Visit with IMO in Blackburn

We recently visited Inspire Motivate Overcome (IMO) a charity in Blackburn. To discuss the impact of the internet for everyone programme.

Introduction to IMO Blackburn

The charity, established in 2006, runs a number of health and wellbeing, education and development programmes in Blackburn and Darwen. IMO will soon move into a new centre on Pringle Street which has undergone major renovations.

Samir Khan, from IMO, said: “We are so happy to have the referral scheme.

“People use the internet for all sorts of things from entertainment and homework.
Sometimes they are having to use their data which can be a big financial burden.

“The families that we have been referring have five or six children that need the internet because they are using it for school as well as playing games.

IMO, which has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Services, said they were delighted to be part of the referral scheme which has already helped hundreds of families and homes in the region.

Want to partner with Opus Broadband like IMO?

To partner with use visit our webpage and complete the short form

The partnership is part of Opus Broadband’s ‘Internet For Everyone’ campaign which sees the company donate free broadband connections to homes and organisations that provide vital services to their community.

What benefits have IMO found with the referral scheme?

Samir Khan, from IMO, said: “We are so happy to have the referral scheme.

“People use the internet for all sorts of things from entertainment and homework.
Sometimes they are having to use their data which can be a big financial burden.

“The families that we have been referring have five or six children that need the internet because they are using it for school as well as playing games.

“People wanting to search for new careers or those wanting to access vital services rely on the internet.

“Bridging the divide is a matter of technological access and a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

“As a community, we are only digitally included when we have the ability and the opportunity to make use of online technologies according to our needs.

“That means supporting the most vulnerable families in this area and supporting organisations that provide support – often lifesaving – to those very same families and communities.”

How partnering with Opus Broadband is helping single parents

“One mother couldn’t afford it afford to have internet and was using her own mobile data which was difficult especially when the mobile signal was poor. When you have fixed Wi -Fi in the home, it helps open up new opportunities.”

So far, the charity said it had spoken to a number of families.

How can you get a referral for a FREE Broadband connection

We want to donate broadband to the digitally excluded who really need it. We can only do it with your help, if you are part of a local council, housing association, school or community group. Get in touch today through the link below.

Are you an organisation in need of broadband or would like to refer families for free connections?

Get in touch to discuss:

dsi@opusbroadband.net

To partner with use visit our webpage and complete the short form

Positive feedback from families

“People have said it is a good service and that it’s better than social tariffs offered by other providers because even those prices can be too expensive for some people especially in this cost-of-living crisis.

“This partnership helps bridge that gap and get people online where previously they would not have been able to.”