Yahoo Finance BT allows mobile customers free access to BBC Bitesize content online
BBC Bitesize online lessons will be accessible for free on EE from the end of this month in the latest effort to help children continue learning from home during lockdown.
BT’s three mobile network brands – EE, BT Mobile and Plusnet Mobile – will begin zero-rating the service, meaning access to Bitesize content will not use up a customer’s data allowance.
The move comes as millions of children across the UK rely on internet-based lessons in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus, while schools only remain open to vulnerable children or those of key workers.
Other mobile networks and internet providers have also stepped up to help in recent weeks, over fears that poorer families could be deprived of their education during England’s third national lockdown.
We have a responsibility at @bt_uk, @EE and @plusnet to support kids' education while face-to-face teaching's on pause.
As part of BT's Lockdown Learning support scheme launched last week, we’re partnering with the BBC to be the first network to zero-rate @BBCBitesize content.
— Marc Allera (@MarcAllera) January 11, 2021
“Supporting children and young people to continue their education is vital during this challenging time,” said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
“It is fantastic that BT and the BBC have joined forces to remove mobile data charges for BBC Bitesize for hundreds of thousands of families across the country.”
BT said no registration will be required, with zero-rated access to educational Bitesize content through the BBC website and Bitesize app.
It will be available to all contract and pay as you go customers of EE, BT Mobile and Plusnet Mobile in the UK.
Bitesize content on iPlayer is also included, after the BBC expanded its educational output and started broadcasting lessons on BBC Two and the CBBC channel on Monday.
“With the pandemic forcing schools to close again we should not allow a lack of digital access to further impact children’s education,” said Tim Davie, BBC director-general.
“This is why I’m delighted we have agreed this partnership with BT to remove data charges when accessing the BBC’s brilliant Bitesize content.
“The BBC will continue to do all we can to ensure every child, whatever their circumstances, can continue to access vital educational materials during this time.”
Marc Allera, chief executive of BT Group’s consumer division, added: “We want to ensure that no child is left behind in their education as a result of this pandemic, and recognise that we all have a role we can play to help families and carers continue their children’s education while schools are closed.”
BT said it plans to announce zero-rating of other popular learning portals soon
