TELUS expands Internet for Good program to support British Columbians and Albertans living with disabilities
July 07 2020 - 10:00AM
TELUS is expanding its Internet for GoodTM program to people living
with disabilities who receive financial disability assistance from
the provincial governments in British Columbia and Alberta. TELUS’
Internet for Good program provides high speed broadband Internet at
home for only $9.95 per month. Since 2016, the program has been
available to families receiving the Canada Child Benefit from the
federal government. To support more Canadians, TELUS has expanded
the program’s eligibility to also include more than 110,000 British
Columbians and 69,000 Albertans living with a disability and
receiving provincial disability benefits. This program expansion
comes at a particularly critical time as the evolving COVID-19
pandemic has demonstrated how important it is to have a safe and
reliable connection at home.
“At a time when the human connection has never
been more important, TELUS remains committed to ensuring all
Canadians stay connected to the people and information that matter
the most,” said Darren Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO.
“Throughout the pandemic, our globally leading network has provided
the backbone for these truly meaningful connections, enabling
Canadians to work and learn remotely, apply for critical government
resources, receive medical support, and stay connected to family
and friends. By expanding our TELUS Internet for Good program, we
are helping people with living disabilities, including those
citizens who are unable to connect to the Internet through
community centres or libraries that are closed as a result of the
global health emergency, to access the vital tools and resources
they need to live fulfilling lives, from the comfort of their own
home.”
Eligibility for the expanded program is based on
receiving the B.C. Persons with Disability (PWD) benefit or the
Alberta Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) benefit.
To apply, eligible individuals can contact TELUS at
InternetforGood@telus.com and provide one piece of
government-issued documentation that identifies them as a recipient
of PWD or AISH. Eligible individuals can also send their paperwork
by mail to TELUS. In cases where the individual does not have
access to e-mail or requires support in contacting TELUS, they can
have a friend, family member, or case worker apply on their behalf.
Qualified new customers will receive a unique code from TELUS and
can then use that code to sign-up for the program and book a TELUS
service installation. Existing TELUS customers will have their
monthly bill lowered to the $9.95 program rate. TELUS Internet for
Good provides Internet speeds up to 25 Mbps and 300 GB of data per
month.
TELUS Internet for Good is part of the TELUS
Connecting for Good portfolio of programs, which ensures our
world-leading technology can create meaningful change by bridging
digital divides and ensuring equal access to technology for
Canadians in need. Additional programs include:
- TELUS Internet for Good, offering high speed broadband Internet
to qualified low-income families, people living with disabilities,
and students for only $9.95 per month;
- TELUS Mobility for Good, offering a free smartphone and a fully
subsidized 3GB data plan to youth transitioning out of foster care
for two years;
- TELUS Tech for Good, helping differently abled Canadians facing
challenges using smartphones and tablets with customized technology
solutions that help them live more independently; and
- TELUS Health for Good, enabling TELUS mobile health clinics to
bring primary healthcare directly to people in need living on the
streets in urban centres across Canada.
TELUS also empowers Canadians of all ages to
stay safe in our digital world with online resources and workshops
through TELUS WiseⓇ, which covers topics including protecting your
online security, privacy, and reputation, rising above
cyberbullying, and using technology responsibly.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TELUS has
committed $150 million to support Canadians with the services and
resources they need. For the latest information about TELUS’
support during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit telus.com/covid19.
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister
Innovation, Science and Industry:
“Whether it’s telework, accessing on-line
medicine or distance learning, we know high-speed internet is a
necessity for all Canadians. This is especially true given the
current challenges brought on by COVID-19. The Government of Canada
applauds TELUS’s efforts to expand their Internet for Good program
to people living with disabilities to help ensure they have access
to all the benefits of a reliable home internet connection.”
The Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of
Citizens’ Services, Government of British Columbia:
“British Columbians have come together to
support each other during this challenging time of physical
distancing. Internet access is an essential service that connects
us to the people we care about and the vital programs and services
we need. Providing low-cost internet to people with disabilities
and vulnerable families is an excellent way to support our
neighbours as we navigate these uncertain times.”
The Honourable Shane Simpson, Minister
of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Government of British
Columbia:
“Social inclusion is an integral part of
accessibility in B.C. Right now, low-income people with
disabilities are facing increased barriers because of COVID-19 that
may prevent them from actively participating in their communities.
The TELUS Internet for Good program is breaking barriers for people
with disabilities so that they can stay connected to their family,
friends and communities, as well as the supports and services they
need.”
The Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister
of Community and Social Services, Government of
Alberta:
“During these challenging times, it is important
for communities and partners to work together to provide accessible
services to Albertans with disabilities. The TELUS Internet for
Good program will make a positive impact in the lives of Albertans
receiving AISH. Access to affordable and reliable high speed
internet ensures these individuals can stay connected with their
families and friends, work remotely and access important programs
and services. Thanks TELUS for your continued commitment to
supporting Albertans with disabilities.” About
TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic,
world-leading communications and information technology company
with $14.8 billion in annual revenue and 15.3 million customer
connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television,
entertainment, video and security. We leverage our global-leading
technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding
commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our
business, making us a distinct leader in customer service
excellence and loyalty. TELUS Health is Canada's largest healthcare
IT provider, and TELUS International delivers the most innovative
business process solutions to some of the world’s most established
brands.
Driven by our passionate social purpose to
connect all Canadians for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring
philosophy to give where we live has inspired our team members and
retirees to contribute more than $736 million and 1.4 million days
of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and
unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company
in the world.
For more information about TELUS, please visit
telus.com, follow us @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on
Instagram.
For media inquiries, please
contact: TELUS Public Relations Liz Sauvé
liz.sauve@telus.com
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