In the spring, a new state program will be launched in Ukraine, under which vaccinated citizens over the age of 60 will be able to receive a free modern smartphone and a reduced rate for using the mobile Internet. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a speech at the Diia Summit in Kyiv.
The Head of State stressed that high-quality mobile and fixed Internet should appear in every corner of the country, and it should be available for every citizen of any age.
"We are facing difficulties here. We have expanded eSupport: the elderly can spend these funds to buy medications and pay for utilities," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President noted that not all elderly people have a smartphone and not all of them know how to use the Internet.
“Two years ago, we launched digital literacy courses for the elderly. And in the spring we will launch a new large state program. All willing vaccinated Ukrainians over the age of 60 will receive a free, high-quality modern smartphone and a reduced rate," he said.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this program is the path to the main goal - to provide Internet access to all citizens of Ukraine.
"A state in a smartphone for everyone. An opportunity to influence the processes in the state for everyone. Not only through classic tools, but also using modern technologies. This is democracy in the broadest possible form - offline and online," the President stressed.
The Head of State also said that Ukrainians can join in determining the official name of this program by taking part in a poll, which is now available in Diia.
"Choose your version, see how e-democracy works in Diia, influence the development of the digital state," the President urged.
