Suppliers announced for schoolchild home broadband roll out

Plans to ensure every child in England can access both a computer and the internet have stepped closer to realisation after approved suppliers were agreed.

Becta, the government's technology in education body, has announced the five chosen suppliers for the pilot phase of the Home Access programme.

As part of Becta's Next Generation Learning campaign, the programme has been created to provide financial and practical support for low-income households to access the internet.

The scheme, which was officially unveiled by the prime minister in September, will focus on families with children aged seven to 18 in full-time state education.

Stephen Crowne, chief executive of Becta, said in a statement: "There's clear evidence to show that effective use of technology really does boost a child's achievement."

"We need to ensure that every child has an equal chance to tap into the benefits of the internet to support their learning at home," he added.

Positive IT Solutions, Centerprise International, Stone Computers, RM Education and XMA have been selected to trial the programme in Oldham and Suffolk during February.