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 now offering eligible seniors two Internet for Good plans with unlimited data: Internet 25 with speeds up to 25 Mbps for $9.95/month and Internet 50 with speeds up to 50 Mbps for $19.95/month.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, 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.
“Throughout the pandemic, our global-leading network has enabled Canadians to work and learn remotely, access critical government resources, receive medical support and stay in touch with family and friends,” said Darren Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO. “Our country’s seniors have contributed significantly to the fabric of this nation, having built and supported the infrastructure, economy and social services that we enjoy today. Disconcertingly, these same aging Canadians have been disproportionately impacted throughout the health emergency system as many do not have the means to stay connected to loved ones and support networks in order to stay safe. Through Internet for Good for Seniors we are providing some of our most vulnerable Canadians with access to the vital tools and resources they need to stay safely and meaningfully connected.”
TELUS is now offering eligible seniors and others who also qualify for Internet for Good the option to choose between two Internet for Good plans, both of which provide unlimited data: Internet 25 with speeds up to 25 Mbps for $9.95/month or Internet 50 with speeds up to 50 Mbps for $19.95/month. Existing TELUS customers who enroll in the Internet for Good program will have their monthly bill lowered to $9.95 or $19.95 depending on the plan selected.
First launched in 2016, Internet for Good is available to more than 400,000 low-income families and people with disabilities as well as youth leaving care in B.C and Alberta. The program’s latest expansion offers an additional 415,000 eligible low-income seniors in B.C. and Alberta access to low-cost, high speed Internet. The expansion builds upon our history of supporting seniors through complementary programs like Mobility for Good® for Seniors, which helps low-income seniors stay connected with a subsidized wireless plan and access to a discounted smartphone.
“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.
Internet for Good customers also have the option to purchase a low-cost refurbished computer through BC Technology for Learning Society and receive access to TELUS Wise® digital literacy education resources that can help them learn everyday digital skills and how to stay safe online.
In addition, Internet for Good for Seniors customers can access LivingWell Companion Home for just $5 per month. This service offers access to 24/7 emergency support at the push of a button, providing peace of mind and the ability to live more independently and feel safer at home. Qualified customers will receive a unique code from TELUS when they apply for Internet for Good that can be utilized for LivingWell Companion Home. Existing LivingWell Companion Home customers who enroll will have their monthly bill lowered to the $5/month rate.
For the latest information about our Connected For Good programs please visit telus.com/connecting-canada.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with $16 billion in annual revenue and 16 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. We leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. In 2020, TELUS was recognized as having the fastest wireless network in the world, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better. TELUS Health is Canada’s leader in digital health technology, improving access to health and wellness services and revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum of care. TELUS Agriculture provides innovative digital solutions throughout the agriculture value chain, supporting better food outcomes from improved agri-business data insights and processes. TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that delivers next-generation AI and content management solutions for global brands across the technology and games, ecommerce and FinTech, communications and media, healthcare, travel and hospitality sectors. TELUS and TELUS International operate in 25+ countries around the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.
Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS, our team members and retirees to contribute more than $820 million and 1.6 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.
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Lena Chen
TELUS Public Relations
Lena.Chen@telus.com
