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 Kairos Housing in Blackburn
We recently visited Kairos Housing a charity in Blackburn. To discuss the impact of the Internet for Everyone programme.
- Who are Kairos Housing?
- How to partner with us
- Benefits of Internet for Everyone
- How Opus Broadband is helping students
- Positive feedback from Kairos Housing
Introduction to Kairos Housing
Kairos Housing works within Blackburn and Darwen and provides short-term shared accommodation and specialist one-to-one support for individuals at risk of street homelessness in the borough.
The team said they were overwhelmed when Opus Broadband stepped in to offer their guests free internet as part of their Digital Inclusion campaign.
The company has already connected school children, churches and community groups to high-speed internet.
Want to partner with Opus Broadband like Kairos?
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 Kairos found with the referral scheme ?
Project manager Lisa said: “When started off, we were just a group of individuals who came together to try and help individuals experiencing homelessness.
“At the beginning, everything was on a shoestring budget so we couldn’t even think about providing Wi-Fi for our guests.
“Having free Wi-Fi helps us professionally as we use it in our office, but for our guests, it’s a lifeline for them to be able to stay connected to friends and family in this country and abroad.”
How partnering with Kairos Housing is helping students
Ali is a guest who moved to his accommodation during the lockdown.
He said: “At the time I was studying computer programming, and I couldn’t go to class, so I had to study everything from home.
“The problem is I couldn’t use my mobile data because every day we had to do things like a Zoom call and videos.
“My goodness, I was literally crying because I didn’t have internet.
But when the connection came in, it made things easier.
“If you’re just reading stuff, well, maybe you can use your mobile data, no problem. But there are videos and video conferences.
“There is no way you can do that using your mobile phones.”
Project manager Lisa Norcross said: “It’s remarkable that we found a small and a local provider that would support us in this way.”
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
Positive feedback from Kairos Housing tenants
Nancy Kinyanjui, a support worker with the charity, said: “I would say it’s a very good example of corporate responsibility.
“For the people you’re supporting to be able to access the internet without limit means if there’s something that needs to be communicated quickly, you can. It makes it far easier to support people.”
Ali added: “I would probably put it with two words. I would say ‘internet miracle’. “That’s what it is to me.”