Verizon to update Philly's computer centers, help address digital inequality

Philadelphia is partnering with Verizon to overhaul its public computer centers and fund an initiative aimed at boosting digital opportunities for residents impacted by the digital divide. The partnership will rebrand the city's Keyspot computer centers as Keystone Innovation and Technology Centers. Verizon will refresh technology and updated devices at the sites, which opened more than a decade ago. The partnership also will allocate $50,000 to the Philadelphia Fund for Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which will provide funds, guidance and expertise to minority entrepreneurs and innovators in the city. The rebranded centers are designed to serve as inclusive, safe locations for residents to access technology and the internet. They will be equipped with high connectivity speeds that will enable more innovative programming. Verizon will work with the Office of Children and Families and the Parks and Recreation department over the next few months to get the rebranded centers up and running, Andrew Buss, the city's deputy chief information officer for the Office of Innovation Management.