Saturday, 7^th December 2024, London, UK: Minister for Transformation, Andrew Western MP was joined this week by Community Fibre Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Oxby, at Jobcentre Plus, Tower Hamlets to observe the full fibre Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) digital skills training initiative, newly launched in collaboration with the Department for Workplace and Pensions (DWP). 

 

Launched in July 2024, the London based full fibre broadband provider in partnership with DWP has rolled out free digital skills training sessions across JobCentre Plus sites to help equip attendees with the technical skills needed to navigate the digital landscape confidently.

 

The scheme follows the ISP and DWP’s ongoing commitment to providing free access to full fibre broadband for Londoners struggling to get online. In collaboration with Jobcentre Plus, those eligible for the service can receive 12 months of free full fibre broadband at speeds of 50 Mbps from Community Fibre. The offer is exclusively available across six Jobcentre Plus services within Woolwich, Peckham, Tower Hamlets, Harlesden, Barnsbury and Finsbury Park sites in London only.

Greeted by Community Fibre’s award-winning Digital Ambassador team of local volunteers, the Minister saw how the free digital resource and skills training are helping to enhance digital literacy to help participants get back into work. Commenting, Minister for Transformation Andrew Western said: “I’ve seen firsthand how brilliant initiatives like this are helping to close the digital divide – ensuring everyone has the skills they need to apply for jobs in this increasingly digital world.

 

“It’s just a small part of this government’s wider drive to get Britain working again and bring opportunity to every part of the country.”

 

The ongoing partnership with DWP will play a vital role in helping eligible Londoners to get online and access new job opportunities and services, in a bid to bridge the digital divide. According to the ISP, 1-in-10 Londoners (11%) say they have missed out on job opportunities, or experienced disruption during virtual job interviews, because of an unreliable internet connection. In addition, 15% of Londoners report that they cannot access basic services such as GP appointments, online banking, or government services because of poor broadband connectivity.

 

Discussing the wider partnership, Community Fibre Chief Executive Officer Graeme Oxby added: “Our research has shown that two-thirds (69%) of Londoners view broadband in the same way they view their gas, water, and electricity services. To apply for new jobs, contact a GP or access government services, a reliable internet connection is key, as are digital skills, and we’re proud to be working alongside the DWP and Jobcentre Plus to bring fibre broadband to those who need it most.”  

 

End

 

About Community Fibre

Community Fibre is London’s best quality broadband, providing fast, affordable, sustainable connections for everyone. As of November 2023, it has passed 1.3 million homes across and around the capital, with more than 185,000 London-based businesses within 200 metres of Community Fibre’s network footprint. Using the UK’s best broadband technology, it is bringing Gigafast broadband at unbeatable speeds and prices to the capital, helping Londoners do more and be more. Community Fibre also operates in parts of Surry and Sussex under its own brand, where prior to May 2024 it was operating as Box Broadband.

 

As the Best Internet Provider network on Trustpilot, commanding an ‘Excellent’ rated service with more than 46,000 5-star reviews (November 2024), Community Fibre offers speeds of up to 3 Gbps for consumers – up to 43x faster than the UK average download speed and 163x faster than the UK average upload speed, as well as broadband packages of up to 10 Gbps for businesses.

 

In March 2024, Community Fibre achieved the top ranking by Which? in its 2024 customer satisfaction survey, as well as the UK’s #1 leading broadband provider by Broadband Savvy (August 2023). Community Fibre was awarded 2023’s Best Alternative Network by Uswitch. In November 2024, Community Fibre was recognised at the Internet Service Provider Association (ISPA) Awards as the UK’s Best Consumer ISP in its category for the fifth consecutive year. 

 

To enrol in digital skills training:

If you are a current claimant at Woolwich or Tower Hamlets JobCentre Plus, you can register your attendance for a Community Fibre Digital Skills training session by contacting your work coach. Please be aware that spaces are limited and are only available on a first come, first served basis.

 

Community Fibre is passionate about giving back to local communities. It has connected more than 650 community spaces with a free 1 Gbps full fibre connection; it provides free digital skills training for residents and supports community-led initiatives through sponsorship. To find out more about how Community Fibre empowers local communities through digital inclusion, you can read more at communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect.

 

For those who may be struggling to get online, Community Fibre also offers its own social broadband tariff at £12.50/month. These discounted broadband deals are usually available for people on Universal Credit and other benefits. However, unlike most other providers, Community Fibre does not ask for proof of income support or government benefits – making it one of the most accessible and affordable social broadband tariffs on the market. More information about its Essential 35 Mbps social tariff can be found at https://communityfibre.co.uk/35-mbps.

 

How the free connection scheme works

From 29^th April 2024, London-based Jobcentre Plus agents can signpost those within its service who may be eligible to receive free Community Fibre broadband for 12-months. Up to 1,000 12-month Community Fibre connections are available. 

 

Eligibility criteria is at the discretion of Community Fibre, however DWP will only confirm entitlement to: 

• Income based Jobseekers Allowance 
• Income based Employment Support Allowance 
• Pension Credit 
• Income Support 
• Universal Credit 

 

Once Community Fibre confirms a person’s eligibility, those nominated will then receive a letter from the provider to confirm or reserve its offer. Participants must call Community Fibre within four weeks of the date of the letter on 0808 196 6262. 

 

Once confirmed, participants will then need to provide details to Community Fibre to set them up as a customer and book an installation date. Community Fibre will also require the name, contact, and direct debit details of the participant to confirm the installation. The direct debit bank details provided will not be used, and no payment will be taken during the direction of the 12-month free period.

 

Where is the scheme taking place? 

The scheme is available to those currently in Jobcentre Plus services within Woolwich, Peckham, Tower Hamlets, Harlesden, Barnsbury, Finsbury Park, Streatham and Hoxton sites in London only. 

 

Can participants cancel at any time during the free period? 

Yes. Those who wish to cancel their contract during the 12-month free period must provide Community Fibre with 30 days’ notice by calling its Cancellation team on 020 3892 6005. 

 

What happens at the end of the free period? 

Participants will receive an email notification from Community Fibre between 30 to 60 days before the 12-month free contract comes to an end.

 

The option to continue with Community Fibre on a paid contract will be given. Those who choose to discontinue their Community Fibre service must return the router provided at installation. Failure to return the router will incur a bill charge of £160 to cover the cost of the replacement router.