Home Access scheme may drive VoIP traffic

The UK government is to offer free laptops, complete with broadband internet, to over a quarter of a million low-income households, bringing the possibility of VoIP solutions into UK residents' homes.

The 'Home Access' scheme was announced by Gordon Brown, the prime minister, last week and it increases the likelihood of IP telephony solutions' take-up by UK consumers. It will allow 270,000 families with young children to apply for grants to buy computers and broadband connections from suppliers.

The £300 million project will also enhance the level of information parents can access about their child's progression through the UK school system.

"We want every family to become a broadband family, and we want every home linked to a school," Mr Brown said.

Over 12,000 grants were issued in 2009 pilots of the scheme by Becta, the government agency tasked with driving the use of IT in education.

Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, said: "More than eight out of ten parents involved in the pilot said getting online at home improved their confidence in using technology, and many reported using the new laptop to access public services and also to look for work."