The Broadband for Seniors initiative plans to increase the confidence and skills of older Australians in using computers and the internet, helping to build their community participation and social inclusion and will address the issue of older Australians feeling isolated and ‘left behind’ in a technological age.

According to Government figures, only one in five Australians over the age of 65 years currently use the internet. This initiative will create approximately 2,000 internet kiosks in community centres across Australia, providing training and access to online resources, dramatically increasing the availability and accessibility of internet services to seniors.

NEC Australia will deliver and manage the project with the support of Adult Learning Australia, The Australian Seniors Computers Clubs Association and University of the Third Age Online.   NEC Australia will supply the broadband network reach as well as the ICT, systems integration expertise and connectivity for the kiosks. Advice and assistance with developing the most appropriate training programs will be provided by the other consortium partners.
 
David Cooke, Group Manager, NEC Australia said: “The background research that we have done suggests that many seniors across Australia who do have access to the internet and online courses have been able to live fuller and more rewarding lives.  As part of this initiative we’ll be able to take these benefits out to a far greater percentage of the population - something NEC Australia is delighted to be a part of it.  It builds on a number of other projects we’re involved with in delivering ICT for connected communities across Australia.”

Adult Learning Australia president, Mr Greg Peart, is delighted to be involved in the initiative. He said: "Broadband access will do much to break down barriers, build human capability, and strengthen our family and community capacity. Continuing to learn through what broadband internet services can provide is now recognised as not only a panacea for loneliness but as one means to sustaining a healthy lifestyle."

Nan Bosler, OAM, President, ASCCA: “It has been shown that older Australians are disadvantaged if they can’t use a computer and the internet.  The Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association is thrilled to be a part of the consortium to help to empower seniors through this valuable Government initiative. Establishment of these kiosks will provide the opportunity for many more Australian seniors to learn how to use modern communication skills.”

Dr Rick Swindell AM, co-founder of U3A Online said:  “It’s great that the government has recognised the need to get more seniors online. The Internet provides enormous potential for increased social participation by older people. U3A Online provides a motivation for older people to explore beyond merely the mastering of simple Internet skills by providing them with a large range of intellectually stimulating courses and resources online which they’d otherwise be unable to access. U3A Online also provides a great opportunity for them to meet like minded people online through the courses we offer.”

The project will start today with all 2,000 kiosks up and running within two and a half years. 

The first stage of the project will be to select appropriate sites within communities to locate the kiosks.  NEC is calling on local community centres, organisations that are currently running computer services for seniors and anyone else that is interested in hosting kiosks, to register their interest, subject to certain criteria, at the following website:  http://www.necseniors.net.au or via phone: 1300 795 897.

About NEC Australia – www.nec.com.au

From the home, to the desktop, to the datacentre, and the networks that span the country connecting them, NEC Australia is the company that researches, develops and deploys advanced technologies, solutions and services that help users around the world live, work and communicate.

Alongside its strength in product innovation, NEC Australia also provides a range of managed services delivering consultancy, integration and ongoing management of both complex and simple IT environments.