Funding Available to Address the Digital Divide in Your Community

If your department uses Windows, you’ll be aware that Microsoft is sunsetting Windows 10 in October 2025. Some organisations have already migrated to Windows 11, but 43% of devices can’t be upgraded to the current version, meaning CapEx budgets (and sustainability targets) are about to take a hit.

We recently published an article in Government Business about how you can use your old IT equipment to address the digital divide in your communities using Google’s ChromeOS Flex, with funding available from ChromeOS for a limited time to cover the cost of a managed proof of concept called Jumpstart.

Here are some of the use cases your department can take advantage of to provide access to technology to citizens while keeping your old devices away from the rising pile of e-waste.

Shared devices in libraries and job centres

Adults who don’t have access to the internet at home struggle to use evermore digitised services and miss out on opportunities to learn employable skills and find jobs, while older citizens become increasingly more isolated from friends, family and the wider community.

ChromeOS Flex devices are easy to use, boot up in seconds, receive free automatic updates in the background and have never been victims of a ransomware attack.
This means multiple users can sign in to the same device and rest assured that they are safe online without constant intervention from IT support teams.

Donated laptops for underprivileged people via local charities

The importance of lifelong learning has never been more pronounced, making bridging the digital divide in underserved and underprivileged communities even more crucial. Access to online resources and learning platforms empowers citizens to develop new skills and lift themselves out of poverty.

ChromeOS Flex devices are more energy efficient, using around 20% less energy than other operating systems on the same hardware, which means they can run all day on a single charge and help to minimise costs for people who may already be struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Managed devices for schools in your area

Students who don’t have their own computer at home risk falling behind in the classroom as it becomes more difficult to research information for projects and assignments, complete homework and learn about career pathways, impacting their future prospects in the workforce.

ChromeOS Flex devices can be managed alongside a school’s existing Chromebooks in the cloud-based Google Admin console, meaning that your old laptop can be quickly deployed as a new student laptop for the cost of a Chrome Education Upgrade (can be covered by the funding).

If you are interested in obtaining funding for a Jumpstart PoC, please reach out to Getech at:

• Email team@getechenterprise.com

• Phone 01473 240470

• Download our one-pager

This newsletter was distributed by Government Business published by Public Sector Information Ltd

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