COLLEGE students who lack quality home wifi are set to benefit from a scheme enabling them to better access their studies remotely.

Students at Eastleigh College students will now be able to take advantage of Vodafone’s extended free data scheme.

The Vodafone schools connected programme was originally launched to support 250,000 school pupils, but is now also open to further education colleges as well.

The initiative to extend the scheme is said to be aimed at providing connectivity to 100,000 disadvantaged 16-18 year olds across the UK.

The college has now received access to Vodafone data which is free to learners who find it difficult to access education from home.

Rob Brooks, Computer Services Manager at Eastleigh College, said: “The scheme is a fantastic and welcome gesture from Vodafone, and we’re delighted they’ve extended it to include FE college students too.

"We’ve already had interest from learners and been able to further support them with easier access to their online learning.”

The scheme will support the College’s existing programme of digital support which provides laptops, Chromebooks and SIM routers, as well as IT support to learners.

Nick Jeffery, Chief Executive of Vodafone UK, said: “We were stunned with the positive response to our schools.connected programme and the immediate demand for SIMs from schools in every corner of the UK.

"We recognise we can’t solve this problem alone but we are doing what we can and I’m delighted we’ve been able to extend this offer to reach an additional 100,000 children and young people.”