New Peel board, Dell Canada relationship makes BYOD affordable for students, families

Member purchase plan pricing and special financing* plan help bridge digital divide

TORONTO, April 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Working with Dell Canada, the Peel District School Board will make the purchase of  new technology more accessible for many of the board's students and families. The offer, made possible through financing from Dell Financial Services, launches April 1 and features special pricing on three Dell products: the Inspiron 15, the Inspiron 11 and Venue 7 tablet, 12-months special financing (on approved credit)* and  in-home warranty service. The relationship is part of the Peel board's ongoing effort to create greater equity of access to technology and can be found at www.dell.ca/peel or www.peelschools.org/aboutus/21stCentury/byod/devices.

Notes Brian Woodland, director of communications and community relations, "We have worked to create a range of options to meet the different needs of our families. The affiliation with Dell Canada offers students, especially secondary students, the ability to experience the pride of owning a new laptop or notebook at a cost that is accessible for many in our community. This is great news and a big step forward in closing the digital divide."

Adds Kevin Peesker, president, Dell Canada, "Our children will graduate into a globally competitive workforce. Dell Canada is committed to helping students develop the knowledge and skills they need to learn and succeed in an increasingly digital world. We are excited to work with the Peel District School Board to empower their students with technology that enables 21st century teaching and learning."

 "We challenged the corporate sector to help us create greater equity of access to technology for all students and it is great to see so many, including Dell Canada, rise to the opportunity. We appreciate their commitment to corporate responsibility," says Woodland. "We still look for others to join our work in creating the menu of options for families, especially in the area of low-cost Internet access, and we hope more companies will come forward."

"In global communities that are linked so closely through the Internet, it's critical that we provide our students and staff with the tools they need to build 21st century learning skills," says Tony Pontes, director of education. "The board's historic financial investment in the future of learning and instructional technology provided access to learning we know will lead to innovation and exploration through connecting with the world. As we expand access to current technology and encourage students to BYOD, we will continue to seek equity of access to technology for all students through strong partnerships with the business community."

On March 5, the Peel board announced a partnership with Renewed Computer Technology (RCT) to launch a pilot program offering low-cost, quality refurbished computers to low income families. Qualified applicants can purchase a desktop for $67.80 or a laptop for $169.50, including software, a two-year warranty, tax and delivery to the school. Information about the RCT partnership is available at http://bit.ly/Peel_RCT.

In August 2013, the Peel board launched a partnership with VIG Solutions to offer families the ability to purchase a Filla Sapphire 7 tablet directly from the vendor for $55 plus shipping and handling. Details about the offer are available at www.peelschools.org/BYOD.

About Dell

Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.ca.

About Dell Financial Services

Since 1997, Dell Financial Services has been delivering financing solutions that enable and enrich the Dell customer experience. As Dell's dedicated financing arm, Dell Financial Services provides customers with direct financing in the U.S., Canada and in Europe, as the captive finance company of Dell Bank International Limited. Dell Financial Services also has international capabilities with a network of strategic lessors in more than 50 countries globally. For more information, visit https://dfs.dell.com/.  

The Peel board serves more than 153,000 students in kindergarten to grade 12. Operating 242 schools in the municipalities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, the Peel board is the largest employer in Peel. For more information, visit www.peelschools.org.

*No Interest for 12 months on Dell PC purchases (including laptops, desktops and tablets) ("No Interest Offer"), with a minimum transaction amount of $499, subject to certain conditions. Offered by Dell Financial Services Canada Limited on approved credit to eligible customers. No Interest Offer only available to Peel District School Board (Ontario) community members who enter into a 24 month Installment Loan ("Loan") for qualifying purchases from Dell from April 1, 2014 until April 30, 2014, 10 p.m. EST. The shipping address must be within the boundaries of the Peel District School Board in order to qualify for the No Interest Offer. The no interest period starts on the day Dell ships the products to you (the "Start Date") and ends 12 months after that date ("No Interest Period"). To take advantage of the No Interest Offer, you MUST (1) pay the full balance before the end of the No Interest Period; AND (2) pay all monthly payments due before the end of the No Interest Period by their payment due dates. If you do not meet either of these conditions, you will be charged interest at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) assigned to your Loan, accrued and calculated daily from the Start Date. You may arrange a full payout by calling Dell at the number provided with your Agreement. To apply for financing, contact us Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST at 1-800-387-5757 extension 4163007 or extension 4161350, or email [email protected] and mention the exclusive promotional offer to the sales agent.

SOURCE: Peel District School Board

Brian Woodland, Director of Communications & Community Relations Support Services, 905-890-1010 ext. 2812 or [email protected]; Janet Fabri, Corporate Communications Country Manager, Dell Canada, 416-758-3398 or [email protected]