New deals provide connectivity boost for NHS staff

Thousands of vulnerable consumers and NHS staff can now benefit from coronavirus support packages provided by mobile and broadband companies.

The government has brokered new deals which mean that many NHS frontline staff get data, texts and calls at no extra cost as well as a move to prioritise broadband upgrades for NHS clinicians working from home.

The Post Office, Voneus, Community Fibre, Spectrum, Wightfibre, Ask4, Zzoom, Lycamobile and iD mobile, have agreed, for some or all of the coronavirus period, to support NHS workers by: giving NHS frontline staff, who are existing customers, the data, texts and calls they need at no additional cost; prioritising broadband upgrades for NHS clinicians working from home; and improving connectivity for care homes with slow or no broadband connections, wherever possible.

Matt Warman, Minister for Digital Infrastructure, said: “Our telecoms industry is doing vital work keeping the UK connected. I thank all the companies and workers doing their bit for the national effort and to support the NHS. Today a number of providers have agreed new commitments so vulnerable consumers and frontline NHS staff have an extra level of support with their mobile and broadband connections.”

Andrew Glover, chair of Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) said: “ISPA supports these measures and have been working with our broader membership on how vulnerable consumers and NHS staff can be provided with the support they need at this time. We are delighted that more of our members are able to commit publicly to these important schemes. This all comes in addition to a lot of work that broadband providers have been doing behind the scenes to keep the country connected, from connecting new hospitals to supporting those working and learning from home.”