Author: Laurence Zwimpfer

I am committed to supporting the development of New Zealand as a digitally included nation, where everyone has equitable opportunities to benefit from the digital world.

Kawa of Care updates

The most recent updates to the Kawa of Care have caused some confusion and this has been fixed this morning.   A new field was added to record the modem’s broadband number, referred to as the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN).  This is a number used to identify a mobile phone number internationally and normally has New Zealand’s country code at the beginning (e.g. 64 204 123 6119).

We know this has caused some confusion because references on the modem itself and the Skinny website do not use the formal technical name. So we think it is simpler to just refer to this as the Broadband Number and use this number which is printed on the underside of the modem (the 11-digit number, e.g. 0204 123 6119).

Spark Foundation has made this amendment to the Kawa of Care this morning.

 

DS31 – Spark Jump Updated

The Spark Jump lesson plan (DS31) has been updated in response to two issues raised by delivery partners:

(1) Confusion with passwords.  Some people seem to get confused between their email password and their Skinny password.  When signing up to Skinny, families will be asked to choose a password (at least 8 characters, one upper case and one numeric).  Even though the Skinny username is the family’s email address, we suggest that families choose a new password that meets the criteria above for Skinny passwords.  Families should be asked to write this down somewhere so they don’t try using their email password to access their Skinny accounts.

(2) Getting Help.  A new section has been added to DS31.  This explains that if families have any trouble with their modems, or in accessing their Skinny accounts, they should contact the Skinny Helpdesk on 0800 4SKINNY (0800 475 4669).  If they move to a new address, they can update this online themselves (through their Skinny account) or contact the DIAA Helpdesk by emailing sparkjump@diaa.nz or phoning 0800 GoDIAA (0800 463 422).

Spark Jump Q&A

Earlier this year Spark Jump delivery partners participated in a series of briefings for budget advisers around the country.  Arising from these briefings were numerous questions about the programme and as a result we compiled a Q&A to address the issues raised.  This is a rich resource of information for referral agencies and delivery partners.  Please let us know if you have any new questions that we can add to the Q&A.

Spark Jump Modem orders

With the transfer of Spark Jump support from 20/20 Trust to DIAA from 1 August 2018, partners should place all requests for modems by emailing sparkjump@diaa.nz.  Tom is now responsible for distributing modems and these will generally be couriered on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Modems should be received by delivery partners within two working days.  Requests should be made no later than 12 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays to meet these timings.

To help make sure that partners never run out of modems, we are monitoring closely the stock each partner is holding.  When the number of unallocated modems held by any partner drops below 5, we check your level of activity and if necessary will send another box of modems without waiting for your request.

Some partners request large numbers of modems just in case they run short.  But we encourage everyone to order small quantities frequently, rather than hold large stocks.  We currently have 700 modems in the pipeline – these are ones that have been couriered to a partner but have not yet been allocated to a family.  Our goal is to reduce this number as much as possible without upsetting the smooth delivery of the programme.  So unless you have a special Spark Jump event planned, please limit your requests to 5 or 10 modems (one or two boxes).

Spark Jump – Relocation of Modems

Spark Jump modems are registered against a physical address (after confirming that the address is in a 4G or 4G 700 coverage area).  Families using Spark Jump modems are not permitted to use the modem at other locations without first updating their new address details on their Skinny account.  This can be carried out online or by notifying the Skinny Helpdesk (0800 475 4669).   Families should have their Broadband number (also called the MSISDN number) ready if they call the Helpdesk, as this will help the Skinny support team quickly identify the caller as a Spark Jump family.  Another option is for the family to advise the library or organisation that helped them set up the modem (delivery partner) that they are planning to move to new address. The delivery partner in turn will notify DIAA (sparkjump@diaa.nz or 0800 463 422) so that wireless coverage can be confirmed at the new address and the family’s records updated.

DIAA maintains a register of all modem locations; the register is shared with the Skinny Helpdesk and the Spark Foundation.  Our goal is to ensure that families have uninterrupted service.

Families who do not notify a change of address will appear on a Spark Jump Breach Report, generated by the Skinny team.  This signals the use of the modem at an unknown location and Spark Foundation partners are obliged to contact the family to obtain details of the new address.  If families can not be contacted within 5 working days, their modems will be blocked and they will no longer have access to the Spark Jump internet service.

Some families temporarily relocate their modems to a new location, e.g. during school holidays so that their children have ongoing internet access, or if a family member is hospitalised.  Families in these situations must pre-notify their local delivery partner or DIAA so that a note can be added to their account.  Otherwise, their modems could be blocked.

Purpose of this blog

This site is managed by the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa (DIAA) and is intended for partner organisations delivering programmes endorsed and/or supported by DIAA.  Currently this includes the following programmes:

  • Stepping UP
  • JUMP
  • DORA
  • Better Digital Futures for Seniors
  • Appy Seniors
  • Digital Wellbeing for All

The blog aims to address mainly operational issues associated with the delivery of these digital inclusion programmes.  It provides a repository of information dealing with specific questions raised by programme delivery partners.

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