Nominet REBOOT to Help Get the UK Online During COVID-19
Nominet, the UK internet domain registry, has today launched a follow-up scheme to “DevicesDotNow”, which is called REBOOT and aims to help get disadvantaged people get online by re-purposing unused (old or unwanted) devices, such as computers, broadband routers or other IT kit, in an efficient and cost effective way.
Often one of the biggest barriers to gaining digital access can be the cost of new devices, coupled with data (usage) costs, which may sadly run into hundreds of pounds. However, some of this can be resolved by “rebooting and repurposing unused devices.”
REBOOT is essentially an interactive platform with a step-by-step guide to help community organisations and schools to create such platforms for themselves and then provide digital access to vulnerable groups and disconnected students. The previous scheme, DevicesDotNow, was able to distribute 2,500 such devices to those who needed them, with a further 7,500 secured.
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As well as teaching such groups how to collect unused and unwanted devices, as well as to restore and distribute them safely, the platform also allows the groups to connect and share their expertise.
Eleanor Bradley, Nominet’s MD for Registry & Public Benefit, said:
“There are an estimated 11 million unused devices in our communities which could be repurposed for use in schools, charity groups, local services and libraries, and REBOOT is designed to encourage and support this effort with tried and tested success stories from vital grassroots community projects.
With many community groups suspended and charities unable to provide their face-to-face services in recent months, people who didn’t have access to a device and connectivity were left isolated. We hope REBOOT will help reconnect unused devices and people in an efficient and cost-effective way, providing opportunities online for those who could benefit from it most – particularly with the threat of a second wave lockdown and questions around the long term feasibility of schools re-opening.”
At the time of writing the new scheme isn’t live yet, but we’re told it will go up here – www.rebootproject.uk.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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By disadvantaged do they mean disabled or the types that will sell them from drugs?
Most likely those who are exploited by the corporate world and despite working a full time week left with nothing after paying rent and utilities. #minimumwage
I don’t think Lady Macbeth would ever accuse you of being too full of the milk of human kindness. If you find yourself enraged with jealousy because someone worse off than you might get a reconditioned laptop to use maybe it’s time for a long hard look in the mirror?
Omg… I can’t believe you actually sent that reply!!
As 125us said: “maybe it’s time for a long hard look in the mirror?”