A high-speed internet provider has signed up to a national charter which calls for affordable connectivity and wider access to digital services across the UK.
Opus Broadband, which is a partner at the Asian Media Awards has been working with a number of charities, schools, community groups and social housing providers.
The company has been installing free broadband services as part of their ‘Internet for Everyone Campaign’ and is committed to donating 20% of their available network as free broadband connections.
In 2024, the company signed up to the Charter for Digital Inclusion launched by the Digital Poverty Alliance.
The charter calls for organisations to commit to three or more goals on ‘raising awareness, accessible services, device donation, digital skills development, and partnership for impact’.
It is also being supported by organisations across the country including the Phoenix Group, Standard Life, Currys, and the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
Simon Jones, from Opus Broadband, said: “We are proud to be one of the signatories of the Charter for Digital Inclusion.
“In today’s increasingly digital society, access to the internet is a necessity, not a luxury. It facilitates educational opportunities, remote working, healthcare access, and social connections.
“Recognising the critical role that internet connectivity plays, Opus Broadband has committed to playing its part in bridging the digital divide by providing free broadband to those who need it most.”
Chief executive of the Digital Poverty Alliance, Elizabeth Anderson, said: “We are advocating to ensure the voices of those impacted by digital poverty influence policy decisions.
“We also recognise that no one sector can end digital poverty alone, so launching our Charter for Digital Inclusion at this time is a strategic call to action for every organisation to embed digital inclusivity within how they work.”
Working closely with several independent charities, schools, community groups and social housing providers, Opus said it is identifying families in need of support and prioritising those with the greatest need for digital access.
By providing free internet, the company said it wanted to ‘empower families with the tools needed for education, job opportunities, and essential services’.
Simon added: “For us, this is a long-term commitment that is part of Opus Broadband’s broader social responsibility and digital inclusion.”
This year’s Asian Media Awards return to the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Friday October 25.
Previous recipients of an Asian Media Award include Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Waris Hussein, Art Malik, Mehdi Hasan, Nina Wadia, Anita Rani, Shobna Gulati, Faisal Islam, Kulvinder Ghir, Adil Ray, Lisa Aziz, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Tina Daheley & Mihir Bose.
The University of Salford are Premier Partners to the Asian Media Awards.
Partners to the awards include ITV, EssenceMediacom, Reach PLC, Women In Journalism & Lancashire Mind.
The awards are also supported by Manchester Metropolitan University, AMT Lawyers, DKR Accountants, Opus Broadband, Janan, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Fritz AV, Payal Events & Cleartwo.
