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Social housing fast track - FAQs

How is social housing being defined?

The social housing fast track is open to social housing providers only. Social housing in Scotland is housing owned and managed by public authorities (mainly councils) and housing associations (registered social landlords or RSLs). The housing provider must have staff who have a direct relationship with their tenants who will receive the devices.

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, you must deliver the devices and complete the monitoring and evaluation information within 14 days of you receiving the devices. This is faster than previous application rounds, due to the rapid response nature of the scheme.

Can I submit more than one application?

We can only accept one application per social housing provider per local authority area. Larger social housing providers that operate across multiple local authorities can submit one application for each local authority area. Separate applications are required for each area.

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.