In Mexico, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) has registered more than 17 million older adults until the third quarter of 2022. However, this population has been left behind in technological terms, which has generated a digital divide in the country.
With the aim of reducing this gap, Telcel, a cell phone company, will give away cell phones to senior citizens during the Older Adult Festivalan event designed to offer free mobile phone equipment.
The purpose of this event is not only to make available to older adults mobile devices at no cost, but also provide training so that beneficiaries learn to use cell phones effectively.
How to get a free cell phone with your INAPAM card
The initiative aims to reduce the digital divide among the elderly population
Telcel’s Social Responsibility manager, Sergio Pathger, stated that 70 percent of older adults in Mexico do not own a smartphone, and only 10 percent of those who do use it to the maximum.
With the objective of closing the digital gap in Mexico, the telecommunications company will facilitate the delivery of mobile devices to this population sector to reduce this digital gap.
Javier Sirvent, president of the organizing committee of the Festival for the Elderly, explained that this event is aimed at a segment of the population that is experiencing a new longevity and is interested in having fun.
Requirements to obtain a free cell phone if you are an older adult
To receive a free cell phone from Telcel, seniors must meet a single criteria: never having owned a smartphone before. In the eight years that the Festival for the Elderly has lasted, the company has delivered 8,000 smartphones along with corresponding training for beneficiaries and other older people who have attended.
When and where will free cell phones for seniors be delivered?
The delivery of 200 devices will take place from April 14 to 16 at the World Trade Center in Mexico City, where volunteers from the Telmex-Telcel Foundation will train older adults to learn how to use cell phones and thus contribute to closing the digital divide.
The telecommunications company also plans to give away smartphones in future editions of the Older Adult Festival in León, Guanajuato, and Guadalajara, Jalisco, although the dates have not been confirmed.
If you have older family members who haven’t used a smartphone yet, this event can be a great opportunity to get one and receive guidance on how to use it.
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Where to process the INAPAM card?
It is necessary that they have never had a smartphone
To process the INAPAM cardThose interested can go to any of the INAPAM delegations or sub-delegations throughout Mexico. It is important to bring the following documents with you:
- Official identification with photograph (INE credential, passport, professional license, among others)
- Recent proof of address
- Two child-size photographs (black and white or color)
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