Argos and TalkTalk Gift Free Broadband and Tablets to Get People Online

High street retail giant Argos has joined forces with Go ON UK and ISP TalkTalk in order to make 10,000 free tablet computers and one year’s worth of free broadband connectivity available to those who take part in a workshop at one of over 120 participating stores, costing £20 per person (ah.. so it’s not completely free then).

According to Argos, almost one in five people in the United Kingdom currently lack digital skills and 52% of those are over the age of 65. The retailer wants to help tackle this and TalkTalk, with its natural focus on the budget end of the market, were no doubt only too keen to help push more customers on to their broadband service.

As a result the Internet Workshops, which are to be setup from the end of October in 120 stores across the country, will see up to 10,000 people being given training on how to use their new tablet computer and surf the Internet. Plus once they get home they’ll have a voucher that can be redeemed with TalkTalk for 12 months of free SimplyBroadband access, although this won’t cover the cost of line rental.

John Walden, CEO of Home Retail Group (Argos), said:

“The digital revolution continues apace, however, millions remain on the side-lines. Argos Internet Workshops have been developed to help people overcome the barriers of access and affordability and improve their knowledge, understanding and confidence in digital technology.

The internet is becoming increasingly essential in day-to-day life, and offers a world of new possibilities that we believe everyone should be able to access.”

Workshop participants will learn the basics to help them: Get online and access at least one website, create an e-mail account, understand how to use apps, know how to stay safe online and know where to go for further support.

It’s also worth pointing out that the free tablet is a Proscan 7″ dual core Internet device with 8GB of on-board memory, which on eBay tends to go for around £50 to £60.