The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced on Monday (June 29) a Mobile Access for Seniors scheme, which is part of a national initiative to get more senior citizens connected online, from July onwards, low-income seniors can start signing up for a 5GB per month, one-year mobile data plan(s) that cost as low as $5 monthly.
Basic smartphones starting at $20 will be bundled with the mobile plans.
There will also be no excess data charges, and surfing speeds will be throttled should seniors inadvertently exceed their data limits.
The plans will be offered by Singtel, StarHub, M1 and TPG Telecom.
To qualify for the scheme, seniors have to be aged 60 and above, and be receiving Comcare assistance or be living in HDB Public Rental Scheme housing.
Eligible seniors can register their interest for the mobile plans with Seniors Go Digital digital ambassadors after they have attended digital literacy programmes and acquired at least one basic digital skill, such as learning how to use messaging apps like WhatsApp, or scan QR codes.