Budget Speech

Facilitating Internet Learning

111.      To narrow the digital divide, the Policy Address proposed that convenient and suitable Internet learning opportunities be provided for students in need through tripartite collaboration between the community, the business sector and the Government. In this digital age, web-based learning and research on the Internet have become an integral part of education. After studying the issue with the relevant bureaux, I propose to adopt a two-pronged approach to help primary and secondary school students from low-income families with Internet learning. We will grant them a subsidy for Internet access charges, and encourage the market to provide them with economical Internet services.

112.      I propose to give a subsidy of $1,300 for Internet access charges in the 2010 school year to each family receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) with children studying in primary or secondary schools. For each family with children studying in primary or secondary schools and eligible for student financial assistance, I propose to grant a full subsidy of $1,300 or half subsidy of $650 depending on the outcome of their means test. To offer an affordable option to students receiving the subsidies, we are also making preparations for a non-profit making organisation to collaborate with private service providers and community organisations to provide economical Internet services and computer hardware to low-income families in need. This will bring market forces into play and make our policy more cost-effective. The organisation will also provide complementary services such as parent education and technical support. We will invite expressions of interest from interested non-profit making organisations. When the organisation has begun to provide economical Internet services that meet learning needs, the subsidies for Internet access charges for subsequent school years will be suitably adjusted. I have earmarked $500 million as the start-up capital for these two measures.

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