Vaccinated individuals aged 60 and over will receive free smartphones and Internet access as a reward, according to Zelensky's announcement.
Ukraine to Offer Free Smartphones and Discounted Internet to Vaccinated Seniors
In a significant move aimed at fostering digital inclusivity, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a new state program. This initiative offers free, high-quality smartphones and discounted internet tariffs to vaccinated individuals aged 60 and above.
According to the official website, this program is an extension of the digital literacy courses for the elderly launched two years ago. Ukrainians who meet the age criteria and wish to participate in this initiative will be eligible for the offer.
In his speech at the Diia Summit in Kyiv, President Zelensky emphasized, "The 'State in your smartphone' - for everyone. The opportunity to influence state processes - for everyone." He further elaborated, "Not just through traditional methods, but also through modern technologies."
In a broader context, the President believes this program will ensure internet access for all Ukrainian citizens. It is an effort to modernize the country's digital landscape and encourage active citizen participation.
Interestingly, in a separate initiative, Zelensky signed a law in December 2021. This law grants each vaccinated Ukrainian 1,000 hryvnia (approximately 16,000 tenge). However, these funds can only be utilized for cultural events, sports activities, or travel—such as purchasing gym memberships, theater or movie tickets, or booking train or plane tickets.
The details regarding the specifics of this smartphone and internet discount program, especially the 'State in your smartphone' initiative, remain to be seen. Further information about the program's implementation and eligibility criteria is expected to be released in the coming months.
- This generous move by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to offer free smartphones and discounted internet could significantly impact the domain of health-and-wellness, as seniors can now easily access fitness-and-exercise apps and related content.
- The brought-about digital inclusivity is also a step towards advancing the science sector, as seniors, now equipped with smartphones, can engage in various online learning opportunities and expand their knowledge repertoire.
- On a financial note, this program titled 'State in your smartphone' demonstrates the convergence of technology, policy-and-legislation, and personal-finance, providing marginalized seniors with a grand opportunity to save money on communication services.
- In the realm of general-news, this initiative set in motion by Zelensky showcases the intersection of politics and technology, highlighting his administration's commitment to modernization and promoting active citizen participation.
- The separate law signed in December 2021, granting each vaccinated Ukrainian 1,000 hryvnia, also falls under the umbrella of finance, especially personal-finance, providing citizens an opportunity for recreational spending on cultural events, sports activities, or travel, such as purchasing gym memberships or movie tickets.
- In the world of gadgets and smartphones, this program underscores the potential growth and prominent role of technology in shaping public policies and social welfare, creating a ripple effect on various sectors.
