Bridging the Digital Divide: Why Digital Equity Matters and Resources to Help Find It in Your Community
Digital equity isn’t just a fancy buzzword; it’s about making sure everyone has the same chance to access and use technology. In today’s world, where nearly everything requires internet access, this is more important than ever. Let's explore why digital equity is a big deal and how it impacts our communities, especially those in underserved areas.
The internet is a treasure trove of information, crucial for everything from school projects and job hunting to health advice. Having access to the internet means having access to knowledge, which is foundational for personal and community growth. For many people, jobs are increasingly found and performed online. From remote work to online businesses, having internet access opens up a world of economic opportunities that can lift individuals and families out of poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of the internet in education. Without it, many students fell behind. Digital equity ensures all students can participate in online learning, no matter their background. Additionally, telehealth services have become more common, especially in rural areas where doctors are scarce. Digital equity ensures everyone can access medical advice and services online.
Our gold tier membership represents our free community offerings - our mission is to empower the people.
Communities with better digital access tend to be more connected and informed. They can advocate for themselves better and take advantage of resources that might otherwise be out of reach. The internet is also a powerful tool for social inclusion, helping people stay connected with family and friends, find support groups, and participate in civic activities. Digital equity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for a fair and just society. When everyone has access to the digital world, we all benefit.
However, the internet can be expensive, especially for low-income households. Luckily, there are ways to get affordable internet if you know where to look. Comcast Internet Essentials offers qualifying households internet access for $9.95 a month and even provides low-cost computers. AT&T Access offers low-cost internet to households with at least one family member who receives SNAP benefits. Spectrum Internet Assist is available to eligible low-income households for $17.99 a month.
Government assistance programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provide a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households, and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Lifeline offers a discount on phone or internet service for low-income households. Community resources like public libraries often offer free Wi-Fi access and sometimes even loan out Wi-Fi hotspots. Some community centers also provide free internet access and digital literacy training.
In addition to affordable internet access, possessing basic digital skills is crucial for personal and professional growth. Learning to use a keyboard and mouse might seem basic, but being comfortable with these tools is the first step. Knowing how to navigate an operating system, whether it's Windows or Mac, is crucial. This includes creating folders, saving files, and using basic applications. Programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs are important for writing documents, while learning the basics of Excel or Google Sheets can help manage data and budgets. Knowing how to send, receive, and organize emails is key for both personal and professional communication. Creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing scams, and using privacy settings on social media and other online accounts are essential for online safety and privacy. Many local libraries offer free computer classes, and online courses on websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, and YouTube provide free tutorials on a variety of digital skills.
Even in the most remote areas, communities are finding creative ways to get connected. In Georgia, the “Wi-Fi on Wheels” program brought internet access to rural students by parking buses equipped with Wi-Fi routers in neighborhoods so students could do their homework online. In Wilson, Maine, the town rallied together to bring broadband to their community with the help of local organizations and grants, installing fiber-optic cables that provided high-speed internet to all residents.
Several Midwestern states have seen local governments partner with tech companies to improve internet infrastructure, significantly increasing internet speeds and accessibility in rural areas. These efforts have had a profound impact on education, allowing students to access online resources and participate in remote learning, healthcare by enabling residents to use telehealth services, and economic development by helping local businesses thrive and attracting new businesses to the area.
To support these efforts, there are several programs that provide free or low-cost internet service and devices. Comcast Internet Essentials, AT&T Access, Spectrum Internet Assist, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and Lifeline are some of the available options. Additionally, organizations like Computers for Kids, PCs for People, The On It Foundation, and Human-I-T offer free or low-cost refurbished computers and internet service to low-income individuals and families.
With these resources and initiatives, bridging the digital divide is becoming more achievable. By promoting digital equity, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has the opportunity to access and benefit from the digital world.
