UK tech firms to supply broadband-for-all pilot

Five UK tech firms have been chosen to supply computers in a trial of the government's 300 million programme to provide home computers and broadband to children of low-income families.

Centerprise International, Positive IT Solutions, RM Education, Stone Computers and XMA were awarded "approved supplier status" for the programme's pilot, which is being carried out in Oldham and Suffolk in February.

The Home Access programme will give grants and advice to low-income families with students between the ages of seven and 18 to help get them online.

"There's clear evidence to show that effective use of technology really does boost a child's achievement," said Stephen Crowne, chief executive of Becta, the government's tech-in-schools body, in a statement. "We need to ensure that every child has an equal chance to tap into the benefits of the internet to support their learning at home."