During the current Isolation requests from government, communication companies should be doing their part to connect those affected with their community, friends and family by providing internet access via SIM cards.

My 86 year old grandmother does not have broadband or WIFI so I am trying to provide her with a tablet and a data only SIM so that she can connect with the whole family and SEE her relatives (Facetime/Skype/WhatsApp). The people in isolation will incurr more costs for their phone bills as this becomes their lifeline to the outside world. Most currently do not have Broadband/computer at home, it would be too hard and time consuming to install broadband lines. My suggestion is that they are given access to SIM cards to provide data immediately. 

The UK government has sent out letters and TV messages that are directing people to websites for more info without realising that the people that are most at risk are the ones who do not always have the ability to access the websites. 

I am in a fortunate position to be able to assist my grandmother to access the internet. There must be so many other people that are in need of connection and information at this time and are simply not supported by the major networks. 

I am aware that some networks have put in minor measures and that the situation is changing rapidly. However, more must be done to engage with people that are in isolation. 

This time more than any other time in history, we need to make sure that Universal Access to Internet becomes available for all in society. I call upon the UK government to actively engage with telecommunications & internet companies to quickly connect those most affected by the current crisis.