Broadband for Seniors (BFS) is an excellent example of how NEC is providing custom solutions to organisations across Australia.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs selected NEC and its consortium members to deliver the BFS initiative nationally as part of the “Making Ends Meet - Plan for Older Australians, People with Disabilities and Carers”. The Government is committing $5 million each year over 3 years, from 2008-09 to 2010-11.
Applications to host a Broadband for Seniors kiosk are now closed as all available kiosks have been allocated.
At a glance:
- creation of 2,000 internet kiosks for seniors and community groups nationwide
- one-off support worth up to $10k per kiosk
- provision of broadband internet service
- supported training.
Helping to increase the confidence and skills of older Australians online.
The planned outcome for Broadband for Seniors is to increase the confidence and skills of older Australians in using computers and the internet, as well as helping to build their community participation and social inclusion.
NEC is partnering with a number of specialist groups in order to help assess applicants who wish to host a kiosk and to help support delivery of the kiosks. The consortium partners are :
- Adult Learning Australia (ALA)
- Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA)
- University of the Third Age Online (U3A Online).
These organisations bring a complete and mature training model for seniors and have a proven, demonstrable record in service delivery including existing sites for Broadband for Seniors deployment.
The needs of older Australians wishing to be trained in the use of computers and the internet will be met by the creation of 2,000 seniors' internet kiosks, provided to organisations that support seniors.
Kiosk sites will be rolled out using a phased approach and service locations identified on the basis of demonstrated need and willingness to provide a free service.
Broadband for Seniors will provide one-off support worth up to $10,000 per kiosk for desktop computers, broadband internet service, training and/or regular internet workshops to help build confidence to use the new technology.
Aims
- provide older Australians with access to computers and the internet via free internet kiosks
- support seniors to gain confidence and build skills in using new technology
- address the issue of older Australians feeling isolated and ‘left behind’ in a technological age
- build community participation and social inclusion amongst older Australians.
Each kiosk will be situated in a secured area hosted by suitable local community organisations. The kiosks will consist of at least 2 personal computers connected to the internet by high speed broadband. Volunteers will be available to provide support and assistance at various times and regular training sessions will be held for groups of seniors.
Applications to host a Broadband for Seniors kiosk are now closed as all available kiosks have been allocated.
If you would like to register your organisation's interest in Broadband for Seniors please contact the Broadband for Seniors helpline on 1300 795 897 and select either option 1 or 5. Thank you for your interest in the Broadband for Seniors initiative.