FAQs

Are people in insecure employment eligible? 

The focus is on people who are currently not in employment. However, some discretion can be used to award devices to people who meet the other criteria but are either: 

• On a short-term job placement - where the duration of the placement / opportunity / contract is less than six months. 
• On a low-paid part-time or zero hours contract and are actively participating in education or training to improve their employment opportunities. 

Employees supported by an Employer Recruitment Incentive or jobs lasting six months or more supported by funding schemes such as Community Jobs Scotland and Kickstart are not eligible. 

If individuals can’t apply themselves, what should they do if they think they may be eligible? 

We recommend that individuals who think they may be eligible to contact a local organisation who provides support in your area. Depending on your circumstances, that might be someone in your local council, a support worker or a local or national third sector organisation. 

Do I need to submit the details of the people who will get devices with the application? 

No personal information is required at the application stage. 

However, if your application is successful you will be asked to do a basic needs assessment and submit the details of people getting devices before they are dispatched to you.  

Who will meet the cost of sending out the devices? 

SCVO will arrange distribution to successful teams or organisations. Then the teams and organisations will be responsible for delivering them to the people they’ve identified as needing them.   

Who owns the device? 

Once a device is given to someone, they will own it.  

You’ll need to ask them to agree to terms and conditions as part of accepting the device. This will include sharing contact details and being involved in evaluation activities.   

What mobile network is used for Mi-Fi devices?    

Vodafone is currently the default supplier. There may be some flexibility for cases where Vodafone does not offer coverage.   

What is the data allowance for the MiFi?  

There will be an unlimited data allowance for up to 24 months. However, connections will be terminated if they are unused for 3 months. 

What if someone has no mobile reception?  

We are unlikely to be able to provide connectivity to people who live in areas with no mobile reception. However, exceptional cases may be considered, so please highlight in your application if this is a consideration.   

Who pays for the data after 24 months?   

People will be offered the data allowance for 24 months.  We will contact people towards the end of the 24 months to explain their options.    

How we help people to afford data will be considered as part of the long-term strategy to support digital inclusion at a national level.     

Questions? 

Contact help@connecting.scot if you’ve any questions about the Connecting Scotland programme.