IT Pro is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Three battles digital divide with free mobile scheme

Reconnected programme uses donated mobiles to help disadvantaged people get connected

Three will hand out donated mobile devices and offer three-months' free access to disadvantaged people to help them get online. 

The Reconnected programme asks people to donate old, unwanted smartphones to Three, which will dole them out to people in need, whether to those at risk of homelessness, looking for work, victims of domestic abuse or who have just left the military. Alongside the repurposed handset, Three will give people three-months of access to its own network. 

Three said Ofcom research suggested 20 million handsets sit unused in British homes, while there are 15 million people who don't have smartphones across the UK though some will eschew the devices by choice rather than cost alone. 

"Initially, we rolled the scheme out internally and the feedback from our employees has been fantastic," said Vicki Blenkarn, director of engagement at Three. "We are therefore so excited to launch Reconnected with the public to get even more people involved... handing over an unused phone is a small gesture that can make a huge difference."

Three's announcement cited one beneficiary of the Reconnected scheme, saying the free handset and three-months of connectivity gave her the chance to develop confidence online and start applying to jobs, whereas previously she was "terrified of technology". She noted she set herself up with a Three contract at the end of the free three months, suggesting everyone wins with the Reconnected programme. 

The Office for National Statistics revealed last year that one in ten Brits had never been online, with most of the offline population made up by older people. The vast majority of younger people used the internet recently, the stats showed, compared to only 39% of those over the age of 75. 

Featured Resources

Defending against malware attacks starts here

The ultimate guide to building your malware defence strategy

Free Download

Datto SMB cyber security for MSPs report

A world of opportunity for MSPs

Free Download

The essential guide to preventing ransomware attacks

Vital tips and guidelines to protect your business using ZTNA and SSE

Free Download

Medium businesses: Fuelling the UK’s economic engine

A Connected Thinking report

Free Download

Most Popular

The big PSTN switch off: What’s happening between now and 2025?
Sponsored

The big PSTN switch off: What’s happening between now and 2025?

13 Mar 2023
Why the floppy disk may never die
Server & storage

Why the floppy disk may never die

27 Mar 2023
UK snares "several thousand" potential hackers in DDoS-for-hire honeypot
cyber crime

UK snares "several thousand" potential hackers in DDoS-for-hire honeypot

27 Mar 2023