The General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks is preparing to finalize its plans for a “digital” benefit to provide free internet and laptops to residents in the least developed areas in Greece.

The program, which is budgeted at 80 million euros, will come into effect on the 15th of October and will aim to provide free Internet access and essential computer equipment (tablet, netbook or laptop) to access the Internet. Optional training may also be provided to beneficiaries.

The benefit will aim to ensure that 289,000 people from Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, the Ionian Islands, West Greece, Peloponnesus, the North Aegean islands and Crete. Beneficiaries will receive a special voucher, which will cover internet connection cost up to 10 euros per month and a portable computer with a value of up to 230 euros.