DC14-473 October 9th, 2014
BT helps housing associations deliver digital inclusion Housing associations can now easily offer cost-effective internet connections and devices to their tenants, with the launch of a new shared internet service from BT Business, specifically designed for them.
The service delivers an internet connection, which could include shared access between residents to reduce monthly rental costs, and an affordable device, as well as offering training and support for tenants.
As BT supplies the service to the housing association, they can choose the best option for each facility whether that's charging on a per unit basis or making wi-fi available in communal areas, in the case of care homes.
As a result, tenants will gain easy access to the internet, without having to worry about things like credit checks and many housing associations will include installation costs in their pricing.
The new offering has been developed as part of BT's Connected Society programme1, improving access to the internet and helping people to develop the skills and confidence they need to make the most of it.
As a part of the product development, the BT Business team has worked closely with housing associations and related organisations over a number of years in order to understand exactly what they and their tenants need.
Graham Sutherland, CEO at BT Business, said: There are currently 6.4 million adults in the UK that have never used the internet, with 4.1 million of those in social housing. This not only affects their employment prospects and access to education, but also how they gain access to essential services. As a result, it's crucial that they have access to go online and that's why we're working with housing associations to help ensure those on low incomes or who are unemployed, elderly or disabled have access to the internet.
Richard Troote, head of ICT Wales & West Housing said: There are a number of drivers for us to provide internet at home to our residents, including the forthcoming implementation of Universal Credit, which means people have to be online or at least have access to the internet. There are also a number of barriers that, until now, have prevented many residents from having broadband at home. Working with BT Business has allowed us to go a long way towards eliminating those allowing us to provide cost-effective internet access, as well as the training and technical support our tenants need.
BT has been working with the Wheatley Group and the Scottish Government to offer affordable wi-fi access to more than a hundred households in one of Glasgow Housing Association's multi-story properties at Kirkton Avenue.
The initiative won ICT Connect Award 2014 Connecting Citizens', and used the Archos 97 Tablets and Samsung Google Chromebooks to allow 138 homes to access high speed wi-fi throughout the building, linking back into the main BT network via a single BTnet connection.
As a result of the scheme, two thirds of tenants are actively seeking employment online, with four per cent gaining employment in the first six months of the study. A third of tenants also believe they saved money as a result of internet access, with 65 per cent saving more than £100, according to the Wheatley Group, the parent of the Glasgow Housing Association2.
-Ends-
Notes to editors
Enquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK dial + 44 20 7356 5369.
All news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.btplc.com/News and further information on the new shared internet service from BT Business visit: www.bt.com/business/digitalinclusion
1. For further details about BT's Connected Society programme, visit: http://www.btplc.com/BetterFuture/ConnectedSociety/. The Connected Society programme forms part of BT's Better Future initiative, which is a commitment to use the power of communications to improve lives and ways of doing business - without it costing the earth. BT has set itself three goals to achieve by 2020 that will help it to grow sustainably in the years to come. For further details, visit: http://www.btplc.com/Betterfuture/BetterBusiness/index.htm
2. Wheatley Group presentation entitled Overcoming Hurdles to Digital Success', dated June 26, 2014.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
06/05/2026
Polands Miecznik-class frigates are part of the largest contract in Polish shipbuilding history. (Image Credit: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna)...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Riedel Communications today announced the expansion of its leadership structure as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen both its operational management ...
06/05/2026
For nearly three decades, Veteran Production Sound Mixer and Five-time Emmy Award Winner Dirk Sciarrotta has helped define the sonic identity of the long-runnin...
06/05/2026
ZEISS CinCraft LensCore: Cinema Lens Looks for Compositing
Brie Clayton May 6, 2026
0 Comments
ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a nove...
06/05/2026
Wisycom Solves Extreme RF Challenges Across Miles of Live Action for Gravity Med...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Narrative Entertainment has partnered with Encompass to deliver high-quality subtitling of its Great! network content using the Altitude Intelligence AI assiste...
06/05/2026
SipRadius, widely recognized for making content processing and connectivity secure and seamless, is proud to launch a dramatic new approach to AI content creati...
06/05/2026
When the broadband and media industry gathers at ANGA COM in Cologne from May 19 to 21, Big Blue Marble will be at the forefront. The international broadcast an...
06/05/2026
Cinegy GmbH, a leading developer of software-defined television technology, is proud to exhibit at MPTS for the first time. Visitors to the stand will discover ...
06/05/2026
Val Jeanty Receives 2026 Doris Duke Artist Award Jeanty, a composer, percussionist, and turntablist, is the fourth Berklee recipient of the prestigious award ...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
When live cycling races and international marathons stretch for miles across cities and countryside, there is no margin for RF failure in live broadcast. As Chi...
06/05/2026
Oberkochen/Germany, May 5, 2026
ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a novel solution for creating physically based cinematic lens looks for visual...
06/05/2026
Wuppertal May 6, 2026
Riedel Expands Leadership Structure, Appoints Marc Engro...
06/05/2026
SAN JOSE, Calif. - May 6, 2026 - Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced its latest broadband innovations for ANGA COM 2026, highlighting its vision for a new e...
06/05/2026
Statement from Rupert Murdoch, Chairman Emeritus, Fox Corporation on Ted Turner&...
06/05/2026
Friday 8 May on RT One and RT Player
Meet the NSPCA team caring for and protecting animals in need in this six-part series
Fly on the wall, six-part series...
06/05/2026
The race to build the world's most powerful AI factories demands networking ...
06/05/2026
How changes to proteins can alter drug interactions for new precision therapies Scripps Research team maps how chemical modifications to proteins affect drug bi...
05/05/2026
Experts from the world of academia, tech, business, politics and media convened for a Thomson Talks at the Cambridge Disinformation Summit in April. It's th...
05/05/2026
Three phones were hardwired for power and transmission to the truck; camera feat...
05/05/2026
The creative studio behind campaigns for the NBA, Fanatics Sportsbook & Casino, ...
05/05/2026
Nielsen has announced results from a co-viewing pilot program covering February&...
05/05/2026
viztrick AiDi, an on-device AI solution developed by Nippon TV, delivered global...
05/05/2026
ARRI has announced Omnibar, a battery-powered, IP65-rated multi-color LED linear...
05/05/2026
Imagine Communications has announced that France T l visions is the first broadc...
05/05/2026
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Bell Media today announced a multiyear agreement to broadcast and stream WNBA games in Canada beginni...
05/05/2026
SVG is proud to announce Warner Bros. Discovery's Techwood Studios in Atlant...
05/05/2026
With no operator required, AutoMic workflow automates talent identification on U...
05/05/2026
A crash in 2015 set the industry back, but this winter proved that drones are he...
05/05/2026
Another year, and more proof that Asia continues to shape some of the world's most exciting new sounds. This year's RADAR artists draw from deep local r...
05/05/2026
The Austin City Limits Music Fest 2026 lineup just dropped, and this year, Spoti...
05/05/2026
New drum machine book campaign incoming
Bjooks have announced that during Superbooth 2026, they will be launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the product...
05/05/2026
Flagship all-in-one production bundle updated
The latest version of Native Instruments' flagship virtual instrument and plug-in bundle has just been ann...
05/05/2026
Rohde & Schwarz to host RF Testing Innovations Forum 2026, helping design engine...
05/05/2026
L3Harris provides communications, electronic warfare, sensors and mission systems that enable Virginia-class submarine crews to operate with confidence in conte...
05/05/2026
The company grew by 7.6% in net revenue and 16.3% in EBITDA, achieving a 33% inc...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
DC14-473 October 9th, 2014 
