Tenants of a new housing development in Dundee will receive free internet and a free tablet as part of a pilot scheme to ensure residents have internet access.
More than 20 “innovative” new homes have been built on Dens Road, at the junction with Alexander Street, on the former Dens Metals site.
As part of the development — built in partnership between Hillcrest Housing Association, Northern Housing Company, Dundee City Council and property developer Cullross Limited — residents will be offered free web access and a free device in an effort to ensure people can access vital online resources.
David Zwirlein, director of development and new business with Hillcrest, said: “Dens Road is a truly innovative development which explores the potential of what social housing can achieve.
“Our tenants at Dens Road have the option to be part of a pilot project to investigate the merits of free internet as a means to promote digital inclusion.
“The new approach to internet provision hopefully marks early steps towards ensuring no one is left behind as an increasing number of vital services move exclusively online.”
The Dens Road Digital Exchange (DDE) pilot will last for 12 months.
In exchange for the free tablet and broadband, Hillcrest says it will encourage its customers to use its online tenants’ portal.