Free Internet Access Launched for 7,000 Vulnerable Households

More than 7,000 families registered under the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM) are set to receive free internet access as the government’s “Internet Gratis” scheme officially enters its operational phase.

The initiative, which was formally endorsed by the Council of Ministers on Friday, 6 February 2026, aims to provide digital connectivity to approximately 31,000 individuals across Mauritius and Rodrigues.

A Multimillion-Rupee Commitment

Despite prevailing economic and financial constraints, the government has allocated an annual budget of Rs 85 million to fund the project.

The measure is designed to bolster social, educational, and economic inclusion by ensuring equitable digital access for the nation’s most vulnerable households.

Strategic Partnerships

The roll-out involves a collaboration between the state and the private sector:

• Service Providers: Three internet service providers have agreed to offer specific packages, all of which have received approval from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA).
• Technical Infrastructure: State Informatics Limited has developed a dedicated platform that allows these providers to verify applicant eligibility against the SRM database in real-time.

Accessing the Benefit

The Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, alongside the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF), has begun the outreach process.

Eligible beneficiaries are being invited to contact their preferred service provider to activate the free service.

Formal notices are also being issued to those listed in the SRM database to ensure no qualifying household is left behind.

Source: Defi Media