Advertisements
Access to the internet and technology has become increasingly essential nowadays. With this in mind, the government authorized the distribution of cell phones and SIM cards with free internet access to certain groups of the population.
In this text, we will explain the benefits of this initiative, who the beneficiaries are, and how the distribution will take place.
Benefits of distributing cell phones and SIM cards with free internet access
The free distribution of cell phones and SIM cards with internet access aims to democratize access to information and communication.
With this measure, the government seeks to reduce the digital divide and provide opportunities for education, work, and social inclusion.
Who Are the Beneficiaries?
The beneficiaries of this initiative are Low-Income Students. Students from public schools in a situation of socioeconomic vulnerability, whose families are enrolled in the Bolsa Família and in the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) will have access to cell phones and SIM cards to assist with their studies.
The Federal Government has invested in retaining students in public schools, as evidenced by the creation of savings accounts for high school students, the program Pé-de-Meia.
Program launch
The initiative, which aims to promote social inclusion, is already in the pilot phase in some municipalities and will gradually be expanded throughout the country.
In the initial stage, the program benefited students from Caicó and Mossoró (RN), Campina Grande (PB), Caruaru and Petrolina (PE), Juazeiro (BA), Araguari, Conceição das Alagoas, Nova Serrana, Prata, Uberaba and Uberlândia (MG).
In the coming days, students from five new states will also receive a cell phone and a chip with free internet access; they are: Amapá, Bahia, Maranhão, Pará and Rio Grande do Norte.
According to the Federal Government, the program's expansion throughout the country will take place gradually, with plans to serve all Brazilian states in the near future.
There is still no deadline defined for completing the nationwide implementation, but the government emphasizes its commitment to universalizing internet access for all Brazilian students.
How cell phones and chips with free internet access will be distributed
The distribution will be carried out in a coordinated manner, through a partnership between the government and telecommunications companies.
The cell phones provided will be basic smartphones, with essential features for using the internet, such as access to social media, email, and browsers.
The chips offered will come with a free monthly data package, allowing internet access for communication and research.
Initially, students in basic education in the public school system are being served; they will receive the chips at the school where they are enrolled.
Image: Canva / Editing: Roberta de Oliveira
