BC FORUM News - From The Advocate, Spring, 2022

New Telus Internet program for seniors

The following is from a February news release from Telus:

Low-income seniors can get TELUS high speed Internet starting at $9.95 per month across British Columbia and Alberta.

Canadian seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement will qualify for low-cost Internet for Good from TELUS to keep them connected to what matters most.

TELUS is proud to launch its Internet for Good® for Seniors program providing low-income seniors in British Columbia and Alberta receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) access to high-speed Internet starting at $9.95 a month. This expansion comes as more than 33 per cent of Canadian seniors reported that their mental health has declined since the onset of the pandemic. TELUS Internet for Good® for Seniors ensures that more seniors have the means to stay connected with loved ones, manage their well-being, and access important healthcare resources, information and entertainment online.

“The 411 Seniors Centre Society is very supportive of this community-minded program from TELUS which will reduce the digital divide that many of our members on the GIS experience,” said David Handelman, Board Member 411 Seniors Centre Society. “Our current membership is over 600 and at least 200 of our members do not have Internet access because they cannot afford it. The affordable monthly cost starting at $9.95 will ensure that all of our members who want Internet at home will have the means to access it. We are confident that this program will improve our members’ lives by giving them access to services and information, and by helping them strengthen their social connections.”

Eligible seniors can apply for Internet for Good online at telus.com/InternetForGoodSeniors and are required to provide a copy of their Old Age Security T4A (OAS) that identifies them as a recipient of the GIS. If an applicant does not have access to the Internet or email, they can submit their documentation via mail, or enlist the assistance of a friend, family member, or case worker to apply on their behalf. Qualified customers will receive a unique code from TELUS which they can then use to sign-up for Internet for Good®.