Latest news with #Digitunity
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
New Interview and Research Reveal: Computer Ownership is Central to Broadband Adoption
A new national study finds that computer ownership is more important than in-home internet access for meaningful digital participation. A companion video interview with lead author Dr. Amy Gonzales is now available. NORTH CONWAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Digitunity has released a new interview with Dr. Amy Gonzales, associate professor at UC Santa Barbara in the Department of Communication, exploring new research that reframes the role of computer ownership in meaningful internet use and digital access. The interview coincides with the publication of Dr. Gonzales's peer-reviewed study, "First-Level Fundamentals: Computer Ownership Is More Important for Internet Benefits than In-Home Internet Service," in the open-access Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. Dr. Gonzales directly discusses how this study challenges the assumption that broadband is the most important tool for digital access. Instead, findings highlight the more substantial impact of personal computer ownership on beneficial internet use (e.g., job searching, eHealth, civic tasks) compared to in-home internet or smartphones alone. She also explores what this means for infrastructure and investment strategies moving forward. "Computer access seems to be the most important, or most strongly associated with these beneficial uses of the internet... our data suggests that perhaps it is because people are able to take their computers out of the home to find internet access elsewhere, whereas internet access without a computer only gets you so far." The study, based on two waves of U.S. census data (2020 and 2023), finds that access to a laptop or desktop computer is more consistently associated with beneficial internet use, such as job applications, healthcare access, and public services, than either smartphones or in-home internet service. The full video interview, hosted by Digitunity board member Allison Strobel, is available here. About Digitunity:Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For over 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Associated Press
Digitunity Releases New Maps Showing Gaps in Computer Ownership Across the U.S.
2023 Census Data Analysis Reveals 1 in 7 Households Still Without Reliable Device Access NORTH CONWAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE / ACCESS Newswire / May 13, 2025 / A newly released set of interactive maps from Digitunity paints a clearer picture of how many households in the United States do not own a large-screen computer. The maps, derived from 2023 American Community Survey data, give a state-level view of how digital device gaps continue to affect people across the Image of a map The analysis finds that over 18 million households rely solely on smartphones for internet connectivity or do not own a computer, affecting roughly 33.2 million people in total. Collectively, these statistics make up the number of households without access to large screen computers. Nearly one in four households in places like Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Louisiana do not have access to a large screen computer, creating the need for local, targeted solutions that open up reliable digital access to healthcare, education, job opportunities, and connections. In Alabama, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, nearly 1 in 5 households faced similar challenges. Puerto Rico has the greatest need for devices in the nation, with 40% of households relying solely on a smartphone to go online or not having access to any type of computing device. The digital divide is narrowest in Colorado, Idaho, New Hampshire, Utah, and Washington, where fewer than 10% of households do not have access to a large screen computer. Using Census data and research-based calculations, these maps show how the digital divide differs between states. Users can hover over states to see how many households lack computers or only use smartphones for connectivity and view the percentage of households in each state without large screen computers. Designed to help local leaders, policymakers, and organizations identify where intervention is most needed and where they can make a significant impact, this resource is part of Digitunity's broader initiative to shift the systems that make computer ownership possible for everyone. Explore the maps and dig into the data at About Digitunity: Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For over 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all. Contact Information Maria Penaloza [email protected] SOURCE: Digitunity press release
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Digitunity Releases New Maps Showing Gaps in Computer Ownership Across the U.S.
2023 Census Data Analysis Reveals 1 in 7 Households Still Without Reliable Device Access NORTH CONWAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE / ACCESS Newswire / May 13, 2025 / A newly released set of interactive maps from Digitunity paints a clearer picture of how many households in the United States do not own a large-screen computer. The maps, derived from 2023 American Community Survey data, give a state-level view of how digital device gaps continue to affect people across the country. The analysis finds that over 18 million households rely solely on smartphones for internet connectivity or do not own a computer, affecting roughly 33.2 million people in total. Collectively, these statistics make up the number of households without access to large screen computers. Nearly one in four households in places like Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Louisiana do not have access to a large screen computer, creating the need for local, targeted solutions that open up reliable digital access to healthcare, education, job opportunities, and connections. In Alabama, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, nearly 1 in 5 households faced similar challenges. Puerto Rico has the greatest need for devices in the nation, with 40% of households relying solely on a smartphone to go online or not having access to any type of computing device. The digital divide is narrowest in Colorado, Idaho, New Hampshire, Utah, and Washington, where fewer than 10% of households do not have access to a large screen computer. Using Census data and research-based calculations, these maps show how the digital divide differs between states. Users can hover over states to see how many households lack computers or only use smartphones for connectivity and view the percentage of households in each state without large screen computers. Designed to help local leaders, policymakers, and organizations identify where intervention is most needed and where they can make a significant impact, this resource is part of Digitunity's broader initiative to shift the systems that make computer ownership possible for everyone. Explore the maps and dig into the data at About Digitunity: Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For over 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all. Contact Information Maria Penaloza
Business Insider
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Digitunity Releases New Case Study on Expanding Computer Access in Rural Mississippi
Coahoma and Warren Counties highlight a sustainable, community-driven model for increasing digital readiness and opportunity. NORTH CONWAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE / ACCESS Newswire / April 22, 2025 / Digitunity, a national nonprofit focused on closing the digital divide through expanding computer ownership, has released a new case study about its recent work in Coahoma and Warren Counties, Mississippi. The report details a collaborative effort to expand computer ownership, digital skills training, and affordable internet in rural communities that face some of the country's highest rates of digital disconnection. In partnership with the Mississippi Broadband Association (MSBA), AT&T, and local community organizations, Digitunity helped distribute refurbished laptops and fostered sustainable pathways to computer ownership. By combining computer access with digital literacy instruction and localized support, the initiative helps build a community-centered model known as a Sustainable Device Ecosystem. "We know that access to a computer is more than a convenience; it's a gateway to opportunity," said Scot Henley, Executive Director at Digitunity. "This case study shows what's possible when communities come together to build their own digital future." The need is urgent. In 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in 4 households in Mississippi lacked access to a large-screen computer or relied only on a smartphone for internet connectivity. That figure rose to 39% in Coahoma County, while in Warren County, 25.3% of households faced the same barrier. Digitunity's work in Mississippi reflects its role as a field catalyst, helping rural communities create systems they can adopt, sustain, and lead independently. The model documented in this case study offers a replicable framework for practitioners, funders, and policymakers focused on long-term digital access strategies. Key Highlights from the Case Study As of January 2025, more than 500 refurbished laptops have been distributed or are scheduled for deployment across Coahoma and Warren Counties through various community-driven initiatives outlined in the case study. Community-based pathways to computer ownership were integrated with workforce development and digital skills training through local institutions The full case study is available now on Digitunity's website. About Digitunity Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For over 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Digitunity Releases New Case Study on Expanding Computer Access in Rural Mississippi
Coahoma and Warren Counties highlight a sustainable, community-driven model for increasing digital readiness and opportunity. NORTH CONWAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE / ACCESS Newswire / April 22, 2025 / Digitunity, a national nonprofit focused on closing the digital divide through expanding computer ownership, has released a new case study about its recent work in Coahoma and Warren Counties, Mississippi. The report details a collaborative effort to expand computer ownership, digital skills training, and affordable internet in rural communities that face some of the country's highest rates of digital disconnection. In partnership with the Mississippi Broadband Association(MSBA), AT&T, and local community organizations, Digitunity helped distribute refurbished laptops and fostered sustainable pathways to computer ownership. By combining computer access with digital literacy instruction and localized support, the initiative helps build a community-centered model known as a Sustainable Device Ecosystem. "We know that access to a computer is more than a convenience; it's a gateway to opportunity," said Scot Henley, Executive Director at Digitunity. "This case study shows what's possible when communities come together to build their own digital future." The need is urgent. In 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in 4 households in Mississippi lacked access to a large-screen computer or relied only on a smartphone for internet connectivity. That figure rose to 39% in Coahoma County, while in Warren County, 25.3% of households faced the same barrier. Digitunity's work in Mississippi reflects its role as a field catalyst, helping rural communities create systems they can adopt, sustain, and lead independently. The model documented in this case study offers a replicable framework for practitioners, funders, and policymakers focused on long-term digital access strategies. Key Highlights from the Case Study As of January 2025, more than 500 refurbished laptops have been distributed or are scheduled for deployment across Coahoma and Warren Counties through various community-driven initiatives outlined in the case pathways to computer ownership were integrated with workforce development and digital skills training through local institutionsLaunch of a Digital Opportunity Fund reinvests in local access and training The full case study is available now on Digitunity's website. About DigitunityDigitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For over 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all.
