There has been a muted response in Dunedin to a Spark Foundation programme to provide low-cost broadband to needy families.
Last week the Spark Foundation announced the introduction of Spark Jump, a nationwide programme in which the charitable trust founded by Spark NZ will offer 30 gigabytes of internet data at a reduced cost of $15 to families in need.
Commercial rates usually begin at about $65 for 50Gb of data on a monthly basis.
The foundation will partner with local community organisations, which will then refer low-income families considered to be in need of the service.
No Dunedin community organisation has yet sought to become a partner.
Spark Foundation general manager Lynne Le Gros said the programme, which was "in its infancy", was intended to address the "digital divide".
It was important all children had access to the internet in order to learn and be prepared for the jobs of the future, Ms Le Gros said.
"We want to make sure that our kids are well equipped to learn in today’s environment and to be ready for the future of work as well."
In deciding on the 30Gb allowance, the foundation had observed usage rates of trial families and taken guidance from stakeholders, such as the correspondence school, which were well placed to quantify data requirements for educational purposes, Ms Le Gros said.
The data was provided on a pay-as-you-go (prepay) basis, which offered greater flexibility for families, she said.
Although families would not have to sign a contract, they would be asked to sign a document saying they would look after the hardware because it would been given to them free of charge, Ms Le Gros said.
Community organisations can apply to be a Spark Jump partner by completing an online form on the Spark Jump website.
This form asks the organisation to describe how their work supports children and their families, outlines the process the organisation will use to identify eligible families, and gives an estimate of the number of families within the community organisation’s area likely to benefit from the service.
Presbyterian Support Otago chief executive Gillian Bremner said the programme had limitations.
The offer of 30Gb for $15 was potentially difficult to manage with children as it would get used up very quickly if downloading YouTube clips,
Mrs Bremner said.
Dunedin Methodist Mission director Laura Black said she was "unsure" about the mission becoming a community partner, as many families might not be able to afford the necessary devices.
"Many families will struggle to own/rent the kit, PC or iPad or whatever to use the broadband on."
Given the availability of Wi-Fi internet in the city centre, she also questioned whether there would be high demand for bandwidth in Dunedin.
"With the prevalence of free Wi-Fi or broadband and machines available (DCC is putting it in throughout the central city, libraries have some, schools etc), it will be interesting to see how much demand for bandwidth there is."
Catholic Social Services Dunedin director Mike Tonks said it was good to increase digital access for those on limited incomes.
If the programme worked it would be great, but he was also concerned about the lack of access to devices for low-income families, Mr Tonks said.
"It’s not just the Wi-Fi access."
He would also like to see more detail about how the programme worked and the criteria for community organisations to become partners, he said.
He also wanted to see a programme started to assist the unconnected elderly.
"There are other New Zealanders that are missing out on this and it is important that we connect everyone."
Despite those reservations, his organisation would consider becoming a partner, Mr Tonks said.
joshua.riddiford@thestar.co.nz