Latest news with #DigitalDivide
The Independent
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
The Digital Equity Act tried to close the digital divide. Trump calls it racist and acts to end it
One program distributes laptops in rural Iowa. Another helped people get back online after Hurricane Helene washed away computers and phones in western North Carolina. Programs in Oregon and rural Alabama teach older people, including some who have never touched a computer, how to navigate in an increasingly digital world. It all came crashing down this month when President Donald Trump — on his own digital platform, Truth Social — announced his intention to end the Digital Equity Act, a federal grant program meant to help bridge the digital divide. He branded it as 'RACIST and ILLEGAL' and said it amounts to 'woke handouts based on race.' He said it was an 'ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway," though the program was actually funded with $2.75 billion. The name seemed innocuous enough when the program was approved by Congress in 2021 as part of a $65 billion investment meant to bring internet access to every home and business in the United States. The broadband program itself was a key component of the $1 trillion infrastructure law pushed through by the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden. The Digital Equity Act was intended to fill gaps and cover unmet needs that surfaced during the massive broadband rollout. It gave states and tribes flexibility to deliver high-speed internet access to families that could not afford it, computers to kids who did not have them, telehealth access to older adults in rural areas, and training and job skills to veterans. Whether Trump has the legal authority to end the program remains unknown. But for now the Republican administration can simply stop spending the money. 'I just felt my heart break for what we were finally, finally in this country, going to address, the digital divide," said Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, a nonprofit that was awarded — but has not received — a $25.7 million grant to work with groups across the country to help provide access to technology. 'The digital divide is not just physical access to the internet, it is being able to use that to do what you need to do.' The word 'equity' While the name of the program likely got it targeted — the Trump administration has been aggressively scrubbing the government of programs that promote diversity, equity or inclusion — the Digital Equity Act was supposed to be broader in scope. Though Trump called it racist, the words 'race' or 'racial' appear just twice in the law's text: once, alongside 'color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability,' in a passage stating that no groups should be excluded from funding, and later, in a list of covered populations, along with older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, English learners, people with low literacy levels and rural Americans. 'Digital Equity passed with overwhelming bipartisan support,' said Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the act's chief proponent, in a statement. 'And that's because my Republican colleagues have heard the same stories as I have — like kids in rural communities forced to drive to McDonalds parking lots for Wi-Fi to do their homework. "It is insane — absolutely nuts — that Trump is blocking resources to help make sure kids in rural school districts can get hot spots or laptops, all because he doesn't like the word equity!' The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which administers the program, declined to comment. It's not entirely clear how much of the $2.75 billion has been awarded, though last March the NTIA announced the allocation of $811 million to states, territories and tribes. 'More confident' On a recent morning in Portland, Oregon, Brandon Dorn was among those taking a keyboard basics class offered by Free Geek, a nonprofit that provides free courses to help people learn to use computers. The class was offered at a low-income housing building to make it accessible for residents. Dorn and the others were given laptops and shown the different functions of keys: control, shift and caps lock, how to copy and paste. They played a typing game that taught finger and key placement on a color-coded keyboard. Dorn, 63, said the classes helped because 'in this day and age, everything has to go through the computer.' He said it helped him feel more confident and less dependent on his children or grandchildren to do things such as making appointments online. 'Folks my age, we didn't get this luxury because we were too busy working, raising the family,' he said. 'So this is a great way to help us help ourselves.' Juan Muro, Free Geek's executive director, said participants get the tools and skills they need to access things like online banking, job applications, online education programs and telehealth. He said Trump's move to end funding has put nonprofits such as Free Geek in a precarious position, forcing them to make up the difference through their own fundraising and 'beg for money to just provide individuals with essential stuff." Sara Nichols works for the Land of Sky Regional Council, a multicounty planning and development organization in western North Carolina. On the Friday before Trump's inauguration in January, the organization received notice that it was approved for a grant. But like other groups The Associated Press contacted, it has not seen any money. Land of Sky had spent a lot of resources helping people recover from last year's storms. The award notice, Nichols said, came as 'incredible news.' 'But between this and the state losing, getting their letters terminated, we feel just like stuck. What are we going to do? How are we going to move forward? How are we going to let our communities continue to fall behind?' Filling unmet needs More than one-fifth of Americans do not have broadband internet access at home, according to the Pew Research Center. In rural communities, the number jumps to 27 percent. Beyond giving people access to technology and fast internet, many programs funded by the Digital Equity Act sought to provide 'digital navigators' — human helpers to guide people new to the online world. 'In the United States we do not have a consistent source of funding to help individuals get online, understand how to be safe online and how to use that technology to accomplish all the things that are required now as part of life that are online,' said Siefer of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. This includes everything from providing families with internet hot spots so they can get online at home to helping seniors avoid online scams. 'Health, workforce, education, jobs, everything, right?' Siefer said. 'This law was going to be the start for the U.S. to figure out this issue. It's a new issue in the big scheme of things, because now technology is no longer a nice-to-have. You have to have the internet and you have to know how to use the technology just to survive, let alone to thrive today.' Siefer said the word 'equity' in the name probably prompted Trump to target the program for elimination. 'But it means that he didn't actually look at what this program does," she said. "Because who doesn't want grandma to be safe online? Who doesn't want a veteran to be able to talk to their doctor rather than get in a car and drive two hours? Who doesn't want students to be able to do their homework?' —- Ortutay reported from San Francisco.
Malaysian Reserve
25-04-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Alabama teen honored with Connected Nation's 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Connected Nation (CN) is excited to announce the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award honoree – Altamont High School Senior Michael Schmalz. The national nonprofit has only given out four national awards in its 24 years of service (see below for more details). This is the first given to a student. The Birmingham teen planned and conducted several digital skills workshops for older adults as part of the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program. Inspired by the positive change he observed while serving in his community, he started his own initiative to expand digital literacy across Alabama. Schmalz created 'Digital Harmonies' with the goal of providing devices and digital skills training to individuals in rural, low-income, and elderly communities across Alabama. On Wednesday, April 23, Michael was presented the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award by Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, CN, during a surprise event held at Altamont School in Birmingham, where he will graduate next month. 'I just hope that people can learn more about the Digital Divide and what it is and how they can take action to bridge it,' said Michael, after receiving the award. 'I also hope that people remember as we move forward in an age that's increasingly dependent on devices that we agree to prioritize inclusion.' 'Our staff was amazed at how much Michael wanted to help others in his community and by how well he understands the importance of digital literacy,' said Emily Jordan, Vice President, Foundation and Education Initiatives, CN. 'He not only leveraged our program to help older adults learn some essential digital skills, but he also used the incentive funds earned through Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, to kick-start a digital literacy program to reach more Alabama residents. That included purchasing devices for the program. He's truly an exceptional teen who's deserving of this honor.' How the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program works Teen-led teams offer hands-on workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions, virtual sessions, and community events that cover a variety of digital skills. These skills range from basic computer literacy to understanding mobile devices, staying safe online, and much more. The program provides training materials created by the Public Library Association in collaboration with AT&T, startup funds, financial incentives, and ongoing support and mentorship for the teen-led teams. It is ready-to-go and perfect for after-school programs, summer programs, youth programs, and other youth-based organizations. The program is being utilized by teens in 40 states who have trained (at this writing) over 22,000 older adults since 2023. It's a great cross-generational experience for both teens and adults. To learn more about how to kick-start a team in your community, go to 'Michael exemplifies what's possible when young people are empowered with the tools and support they need to make a difference,' said Terri Williams, Lead External Affairs, AT&T Alabama. 'Through the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program he's not only helped others, but he's inspired a movement for student digital navigators across the state. We're proud to support this important work.' Broadband Visionary Award honoreesThe 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award is the first time CN is nationally honoring a student's work. The national nonprofit has given out a similar honor – called the Broadband Visionary Award – only four times in its nearly 25 year history. The past awardees for that honor are former Iowa Governor and former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad; Colonel M. Blaine Hedges, USA (Retired); Robin Ancona, Director, Telecommunications Division, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC); and jointly, KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon; Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugar Land, Texas; and, jointly, RFD-TV and the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C. for their work on 'A National Conversation on the Digital Divide.' Note: Email jdenson@ to request photos and/or video from the ceremony. About Connected Nation: Founded in 2001, the national nonprofit's mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. Learn more at
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
14 wins and counting: Connected Nation is again named among the Best Places to Work as it tackles closing the Digital Divide
BOWLING GREEN, Ky., March 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 14th time, Connected Nation (CN) is named among the Best Places to Work by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM). CN is a national nonprofit, based in Bowling Green, Ky., that works with local, state, and federal leaders to close the Digital Divide by providing innovative solutions for expanding broadband (high-speed internet) access, adoption, and use to ALL people. "Being recognized as one of the best places to work is a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team," said Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, CN. "It's not just about creating a great environment; it's about fostering a culture where every individual can thrive, innovate, and feel valued. This achievement is a reflection of the collective effort we put in every day to make our company a place where people are not only proud to work but are empowered to do their best work. " The selection process is based on an assessment of each company's policies and procedures and the results of an internal survey where employees provide anonymous feedback on company culture, benefits, and more. Winners are placed in three categories: small, medium, and large companies. CN falls into the small employer category (15 to 149 U.S. employees), which this year is a list of 45 companies. The official rankings of those companies will be announced during a celebration on Thursday, May 22. The highest ranking CN has received is 5th in the small company category. "This honor is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to nurturing a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and inspired every day," said Melanie Hatfield, Human Resources Manager, CN. "We believe that when our people are happy, engaged, and empowered, they bring their best selves to work—and that's what drives our success." This is the 21st year for the Best Places to Work in Kentucky competition. The alphabetical list of all the 2025 unranked winners can be found by clicking here. The rankings in each business category will be announced on May 22 during an awards dinner held at the Center Bank Center located in Lexington, Ky. About Connected Nation: The national nonprofit's mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Connected Nation Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
AVEALTO SIGNS MOU WITH MAJOR TELECOM OPERATOR IN ASIA
EDOTCO subsidiary of AXIATA to explore breakthrough technology developed by AVEALTO to help close the Digital Divide In Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, March 5, 2025 -- AVEALTO Limited, a UK-based company, was formed to design, build and operate a fleet of high-altitude Wireless Infrastructure Platform vehicles ('WIPS'), also often called High Altitude Platforms ('HAPS'), in order to help close the global Digital Divide. Today, March 5th, 2025, the EDOTCO Group, a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad, and AVEALTO Limited have exchanged MOU documents at a ceremony held at the Malaysian Pavillion during the annual MWC conference in Barcelona. EDOTCO Group is the leading digital connectivity infrastructure services company in Asia, providing end-to-end integrated solutions in the tower services sector. Its mission is to help nations across Asia advance their connectivity infrastructure with leading-edge solutions and drive equitable connectivity. The company is present in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Laos. AVEALTO has completed the development of a transformative technology which can provide cost effective and high quality telecom and internet services to unserved and underserved regions. AVEALTO has an overarching goal to help close the digital divide worldwide. ' I am excited to work with EDOTCO, a visionary company, to explore a path to greater connectivity in Malaysia and the rest of Southeast Asia.' - Walt Anderson – Managing Director, AVEALTO Limited EDOTCO will collaborate with Avealto in a Proof of Concept (PoC) trial to be conducted in Malaysia. This innovative project seeks to unlock new frontiers in telecommunications, offering alternative network solutions that could revolutionise connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas. If successful, this initiative could introduce breakthrough technologies that enhance Malaysia's network resilience and scalability. AVEALTO will offer wholesale telecom and internet infrastructure to existing telecom operators at a substantially lower price than existing telecommunication satellites. AVEALTO services are expected to be the highest quality option, in the areas that it serves, and be significantly lower in cost than LEO, MEO or GEO satellites. +1 786.870.0208 About the company: Avealto Ltd. was founded with the purpose of connecting the unconnected, serving the underserved, and bringing the rest of the world into the Global Conversation. We hope you'll join us. Contact Info: Name: Thomas Andrew Olson Email: Send Email Organization: Avealto Ltd. Release ID: 89154337 Should any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies arise from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for timely assistance within 8 hours – taking necessary measures to rectify identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. We prioritize delivering accurate and reliable information.
Associated Press
10-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
‘Dollar-a-Day' Kinetic High-Speed Internet Available for 1.1 Million Homes in 18 States
In an ambitious move to bring unparalleled high-speed internet access to more Americans and help bridge the Digital Divide, Kinetic's latest pricing targets 1.1 million specific households within its 18-state footprint; the plan is less than a dollar a day (minus tax and fees). This is the best national internet package Kinetic has offered and includes hundreds of rural or suburban communities across America that currently have Kinetic's Next Generation Internet in their area, according to Kinetic officials. 'It's 2025, and far too many families still cannot access regular and reliable high-speed internet for a reasonable price,' said Susan Schraibman, Kinetic regional operations president for the Northeast. 'I'm excited we've rolled this out to our footprint. For about a dollar a day, high-speed internet is just a call away.' This limited time offer is good across Kinetic's 18-state high-speed internet footprint through March 26, 2025. Pennsylvania communities that will benefit include Meadville as well as Greene County's Carmichaels and Waynesburg; Lancaster County's Ephrata and Lititz, and York County's Jefferson. The exclusive offer includes: Why Choose Kinetic Fiber? Kinetic's Next Generation Internet offers significant advantages over traditional copper, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and satellite internet. Kinetic fiber delivers equal upload and download speeds, providing uninterrupted video conferencing for telework, gaming, streaming, telehealth, and access to agribusiness. Kinetic's 99.9% network reliability is a stark contrast to the weather-dependent inconsistencies of satellite internet or the congestion-prone nature of cable. FWA still lags in terms of both speed and latency when compared to the lightning-fast capabilities of fiber. In today's digital age, internet connectivity is more than just a convenience; it's a necessity. Kinetic is a local company with local people working on local challenges. Kinetic technicians are the same people you'll see at high school games, at church, or at the grocery store – national companies can't match that. But don't just take Kinetic's word: read thousands of 5-star Google-reviews or see why CNET named Kinetic the 2025 'Best Rural Fiber Internet Provider.' * At the end of the 12-month promotional period, rates for 100 Mbps service may increase, with pricing determined based on market. Contact Kinetic for more information. About Kinetic Kinetic, a Windstream company, offers reliable fiber-based broadband to consumers and small to medium-sized businesses in 18 states. The company's quality-first approach connects customers to new opportunities and possibilities by delivering a full suite of advanced communications services backed by robust security and friendly customer success experts. Kinetic is focused on expanding its fiber network and bridging the digital divide to deliver modern solutions to customers in underserved areas. Additional information about Kinetic is available via our customer portal at or The company also offers managed cloud communications and security services to mid-to-large enterprises, government entities and educational institutions across the U.S. as well as customized wavelength and dark fiber solutions to carriers, content providers and hyperscalers in the U.S. and Canada. Windstream is privately held and headquartered in Little Rock, Ark. . The company also offers managed cloud communications and security services to mid-to-large enterprises, government entities and educational institutions across the U.S. as well as customized wavelength and dark fiber solutions to carriers, content providers and hyperscalers in the U.S. and Canada. Windstream is privately held and headquartered in Little Rock, Ark. SOURCE: Windstream Holdings Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 02/10/2025 09:30 AM/DISC: 02/10/2025 09:30 AM
