Housing
Comcast and federal programs provide low-cost or free internet
Comcast has announced the expansion of its slate of affordable internet options that offer faster internet service and Xfinity mobile. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
digital divide
Community and Family
Supporting LGBTQ+ older adults in navigating the digital world
While the digital divide affects people of all ages and identities, LGBTQ+ older adults often face challenges in navigating the digital world. The high costs of smartphones, laptops, and monthly internet plans can be prohibitive for many. According to research from the Williams Institute, LGBTQ+ older adults are more likely than their cisgender and straight counterparts to experience financial hardship, thus making it more difficult to afford expensive technology. | From: Philadelphia Gay News (Read more.)
Community and Family
Check out Philly’s new 5-year digital equity plan, with goals for high connectivity and human ‘touchpoints’
Two years into the pandemic, the Office of Innovation and Technology laid out an executive order and plan for how it will continue to address the digital divide in Philadelphia. Its four main goals focus on devices, connectivity, training and the wider ecosystem. | From: Technical.ly (Read more.)
Community and Family
What do internet connectivity and tech use look like for older adults during the pandemic?
For the last two years, understanding how to navigate the internet, log onto online schooling or use a device for a doctor’s appointment became a necessity, not a luxury. And through a survey and programs, the City’s Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) has narrowed down the data to understand who’s still left out. | From: Technical.ly (Read more.)
Community and Family
Philly’s new push aims to close digital divide more
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has signed an Executive Order calling for a narrowing of the digital divide, with a goal of broadband for every household in the city. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
Community and Family
This bipartisan bill brings us so close to closing the digital divide | OPINION
A bipartisan infrastructure bill in Congress could help bring broadband access to everyone. It’s time, a Philly state rep says, to connect the unconnected. | From: The Citizen (Read more.)
Civic and Community Engagement
Columbia North YMCA partners with Best Buy, The Clubhouse Network to improve youth tech equity in Philly
The Columbia North YMCA on North Broad Street is now sheltering The Best Buy Teen Tech Center, a space that will empower Philadelphia youth by providing tech access and improving tech equity in the community. | From: AL DÍA (Read more.)
Community and Family
Comcast will invest $1B over the next decade in attempt to close digital divide
In addition to laptop and computer donations, the funds will help pay for Wi-Fi-connected spaces in community centers by 2021.
The money will also pay for continued investment in the company’s Internet Essentials program, which brings high-speed broadband to low-income residents for less than $10 a month. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
Community and Family
Comcast boosts internet speeds for its cheapest plan to aid homebound students
Facing pressure from activists and elected officials, Comcast Corp. said it will increase internet speeds for low-income families and postpone fees on heavy data users as consumers increasingly rely on broadband during the pandemic. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Community and Family
The fight to bridge Philly’s COVID-19 digital divide has a hotline to connect families to the Internet
On Aug. 6, Philadelphia launched PHLConnectED, an massive collaboration between the city and some of its biggest private partners to connect those families to the internet ahead of the school year and also offer them digital skills training and tech support. | From: AL DÍA (Read more.)