SINGAPORE: A new scheme will provide 60,000 low-income Singaporean families with subsidised broadband and laptops or tablets, Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo said in Parliament on Tuesday .
"One group we remain concerned about are lower-income households. For most households, digital connectivity has become as essential as water and electricity. But for some, connectivity can still feel costly," she said. Families must also have a monthly gross household income of S$1,900 or less, or a monthly per capita income of S$650 or less. If there is a primary school student or person with disabilities in the household, the gross and per capita income ceilings are raised to S$3,400 and S$900 respectively.Eligible households will be able to choose the package – broadband-only, device-only, or both broadband and device – that best suits their needs.
Households with students on the Education Ministry's Financial Assistance Schemes may also receive the highest level of subsidy depending on income, said MCI. Other applicants can apply online or in hard copy submissions, and can approach any of the SG Digital community hubs and the four self-help groups for assistance.