Deputy Louise Doublet made the remarks during a virtual States sitting while questioning the Education Minister about the support the government was providing to families who did not necessarily have internet access or the right equipment for home learning online.
She said: ‘I have heard anecdotally that families are having to consider rationing food because they are paying for additional top-ups on mobile phones to enable a [mobile phone] data connection in the absence of any Wi-Fi connection in the home.’
She then asked Education Minister Tracey Vallois if she had considered helping families with the cost of wireless internet within families’ homes.
In response, Senator Vallois said there was a scheme in place jointly run by Digital Jersey and the Island’s telecoms providers whereby students could apply to their respective school for free Wi-Fi vouchers.
However, following further questions from Deputy Doublet, she added that this had not completely solved the problem, as in some cases households did not have a landline through which
internet services could be supplied.
‘The precise solution is not decided as of yet. I think there is an issue in terms of whether these families could be supported in terms of whether they are in low-income households from the income support side of things,’ Senator Vallois said.
‘There are going to have to be further discussions with the broadband provider about the scheme that has been put in place and how we can overcome this particular situation.’
Meanwhile, in response to a question from Deputy Carina Alves, Senator Vallois revealed that hundreds of devices had been loaned by schools to students to help them with home learning.
‘In some cases parents are using their devices to download and print resources; in other cases parents are collecting resource packs supplied by the schools. Some students have a preference for printed learning despite having a device,’ Senator Vallois said.
‘Schools have also loaned out 300 tablets, laptops and WiFi dongles.’
