2.2 million Canadian seniors on the Guaranteed Income Supplement can now get a free smartphone and subsidized rate plan from ...
December 08 2020 - 6:00AM
Today, TELUS launched Mobility for Good for Seniors, which provides
Canadian seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
access to a free smartphone and subsidized mobility rate plan.
Available now, Mobility for Good for Seniors includes a free
refurbished smartphone, unlimited nationwide talk and text, and 3GB
of data for only $25 per month. Mobility for Good for Seniors will
ensure more seniors have access to the technology they need to help
address feelings of isolation, manage their mental wellbeing, stay
connected to loved ones, enjoy their favourite online games and
books, and access important healthcare resources and information.
“At a time when the human connection has never been more
important, TELUS remains committed to ensuring all Canadians can
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 enabled Canadians to
work and learn remotely, access critical government resources,
receive medical support and stay in touch with family and friends.
Our country’s seniors have contributed significantly to the fabric
of this nation, having built and supported the infrastructure,
economy and social services that we enjoy today. Disconcertingly,
these same elderly Canadians have been disproportionately impacted
throughout the health emergency as many have had to isolate from
loved ones and support networks in order to stay safe. Through
Mobility for Good for Seniors, we are providing some of our most
vulnerable Canadians with access to the vital tools and resources
they need to stay safely and meaningfully connected, and in time
for the holiday season.”
Across Canada, 2.2 million seniors receive the Guaranteed Income
Supplement from the federal government, and are eligible for TELUS
Mobility for Good for Seniors. This program is entirely subsidized
by TELUS, and comes at no cost to the government or taxpayers. To
get set up, program participants are required to provide proof of
receiving the GIS benefit and then will receive a unique code.
Participants are also encouraged to download the Federal
Government’s Covid-19 Alert app to stay updated on critical health
information. Additional details and instructions on how to apply
are available at telus.com/mobilityforgood.
“This year in particular has demonstrated how critical it is
that more older Canadians have access to virtual healthcare options
that can help them to stay healthy and safe,” said Dr. Samir Sinha,
Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health System and the University
Health Network in Toronto. “TELUS’ Mobility for Good for Seniors
will significantly increase access to virtual healthcare
technology, such as video conferencing from a smartphone, for older
and low-income Canadians who may have previously faced barriers to
accessing and affording a smartphone. Beyond being able to better
access health services, information and apps, a smartphone can be a
critical tool in allowing older Canadians to more safely navigate
their communities and help prevent the mental and physical health
challenges associated with isolation and loneliness, particularly
as more older Canadians are staying home and increasingly avoiding
gatherings to protect their health.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolved earlier this spring, TELUS
donated more than 14,000 free mobile devices and $0 rate plans,
valued at $9 million, to hundreds of organizations across the
country including long-term care facilities in support of
seniors.
TELUS Mobility for Good for Seniors is part of the TELUS
Connecting for Good portfolio of programs that gives Canadians in
need access to TELUS’ world-leading technology. Additional programs
include:
- TELUS Internet for Good, offering high speed broadband Internet
to qualified low-income families and people living with
disabilities for only $9.95 per month;
- TELUS Mobility for Good for youth, 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 assistive technology
and training 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 and 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. Seniors advocacy and support
organizations are invited to book a free, virtual TELUS Wise
Seniors workshop for the seniors they support at
telus.com/WiseSeniors. The workshop educates participants on common
online scams and threats and provides Internet, smartphone and
social media safety tips, helping seniors to stay safe and get the
most out of our digital world.
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 how TELUS gives back visit
telus.com/givesback.
About TELUSTELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a
dynamic, world-leading communications and information technology
company with $15.3 billion in annual revenue and 15.7 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 $700 million and 1.3
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:
Lena Chen TELUS Public
Relationslena.chen@telus.com
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