The #CovConnects Device Bank has received 200 ‘Get Boxes’ from technology charity Jangala and their partnership with Virgin Media O2. The devices will be used to help the Council tackle digital exclusion and poverty in the city.
The ‘Get Boxes’ will be distributed via the #CovConnects Device Bank to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations across the city.
‘Get Boxes’ are rapidly deployable, free internet connectivity devices that provide secure and reliable Wi-Fi. Virgin Media O2 is providing 12 months of free O2 mobile data for the programme via the National Databank, which it set up with charity Good Things Foundation.
By distributing these devices directly to Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises supporting people in temporary accommodation, we are aiming to tackle digital exclusion within Coventry’s communities and improve residents’ access to the digital world.
Jangala and #CovConnects have been collaborating with Valley House to pilot the Get Boxes as part of a wider digital inclusion initiative. The impact of this connectivity for Valley House has helped residents to stay connected whilst in temporary accommodation, enabling them to benefit from a wide range of services.
Caroline, Director of Operations at Valley House said:
“Our service users have found the Get Boxes very beneficial, it has given them, and their children access to a wider range of opportunities, such as education, employment and social activities.
“We have found the partnership very supportive and it has provided reliable, affordable, and accessible connectivity to our service users.”.
This new partnership will allow Jangala and #CovConnects to scale the current pilot to provide a longer-term sustainable solution for connectivity to support the devices distributed via the #CovConnects Device Bank.
In addition to providing the devices, the #CovConnects team will provide wraparound support for organisations and their residents across connectivity, skills and support, to ensure maximum benefit to the recipients.
Organisations can apply to the #CovConnects Device Bank on the Council’s website now.
Adrienne Bellingeri, Head of Customer Services at Coventry City Council, said:
“All aspects of our lives are increasingly heading online. Employment opportunities, public services and even everyday tasks rely on the Internet more than ever. That’s why #CovConnects are working hard to reduce the digital divide in our city.”
“We launched the Device Bank in June 2023 and it’s already provided lots of support to residents and organisations in our city. However, we are keen to do more and want to work with our partners on this. “
“That’s why we are so pleased to be able to build on our strong partnership with Jangala and work closely with them on this project.“
Richard Thanki, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Jangala says:
"Connectivity in today’s world is more than just access to the internet; it’s access to opportunities, information and community.
“By focusing our efforts on a variety of different settings - including homes, shared accommodations and social settings - we aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can tap into the benefits of being connected.
“We are delighted to be working with the #CovConnects team at Coventry City Council as part of Jangala’s mission to connect 4 million people to the internet globally by 2029”.
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
“We’re proud to support #CovConnects and Coventry City Council via our partnership with Jangala to power Get Boxes with free O2 mobile data from the National Databank. This will support communities across the city to stay in touch with loved ones, and access essential online services from applying for jobs to booking medical appointments, and helping young people with their studies.”