UPDATE ON FREE INTERNET FOR PUPILS IN SCOTLAND

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South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has written to BT to ask the company if it is planning to extend its new scheme that currently provides six months of free internet access to school age young people in England to Scotland.

The scheme, which the South Scotland MSP has welcomed, will undoubtably have a positive impact on helping those from lower income households or those from households without internet – which can be for a range of different reasons – access education at home during what is a particularly challenging time for many.

Ms Harper has also laid a motion before the Scottish Parliament which calls on BT to provide information on whether they intend to roll out a scheme where Scottish school age young people are given access to 6 months of free BT internet – a move which she has said provides equity of education across the UK.

Commenting, Ms Harper said:

“I understand that in England an agreement was reached with the Department for Education to provide 6 moths of free internet to young people, who will be given a voucher code which will give them unlimited access to filtered internet services – providing educational resources and access to school email servers. I note that this scheme is to help all families who require it – particularly those from lower income households.

“While I welcome this scheme for England and agree that it will undoubtedly help young people who may be struggling with their education during what is a challenging time for many, I am concerned that a similar scheme is not yet available to young people across Scotland. Indeed, I have been contacted by several constituents across Dumfries and Galloway who do not currently have access to the internet in their homes, and who are struggling with educating their children at home as a result.

“Given this, I would be grateful to hear whether BT have any plans to extend such a scheme in Scotland and whether BT are in discussions with the Scottish Government about such a scheme. This would help many young people both across Dumfries and Galloway, and indeed Scotland.

“I look forward to hearing back from BT on this issue soon, and I remind constituents that I and my team are here to help, should anyone be looking for any advice and support.”