When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, suddenly all nonprofits became digital equity nonprofits. Whether they focused on education, civic engagement, or healthcare, community-based organizations across the country found themselves pivoting toward tackling the digital divide seemingly overnight. They witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by the youth, families, and communities they serve as everyone quarantined and shifted to a new, virtual, normal.
This guidebook provides an in-depth look at successful models and recurring themes across digital inclusion coalitions, accompanied by best practices, lessons learned, and specific recommendations from the field. The guidebook is intended for individuals and organizations who are committed to advancing digital equity in their community and who recognize the value of coalitions in achieving that goal. Key themes include:
Dish Network Chairman Charlie Ergen said unexpected technical issues have delayed the rollout of his company’s new fifth-generation mobile network but vowed to have basic service ready before a government-ordered coverage deadline hits in June 2022. “We’re six months behind, and it’s my fault,” Ergen said.
WideOpenWest (WOW!) unveiled plans to invest $215 million in capital expenditures this year, including $80 million in expansion efforts, and named Orange County (FL) as its second greenfield target market. CEO Teresa Elder said the company expects to spend $40 million over the next two to three years to build fiber to more than 40,000 homes in Orange County. The project is the second greenfield market the company has announced in the state. It named Seminole County (FL) as its first target earlier in February, outlining plans to reach 60,000 locations there.
T-Mobile struck out again in its effort to claim America’s most reliable 5G network after an unsuccessful appeal to an advertising industry review board. T-Mobile said it will follow recommendations from the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) to stop all express and implied claims of having the most reliable 5G network based on data from network testing company umlaut.
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