Project OVERCOME: Innovative Connectivity Solutions in Seven Communities
A US Ignite report published by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
Managed by US Ignite and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with Schmidt Futures, Project OVERCOME is a unique program that creates an innovative environment for seven communities to test locally accelerated and innovative solutions designed to deliver community internet connectivity within just 12 months.
In March 2021, US Ignite announced the names of the seven communities chosen to deploy connectivity solutions in their communities. The selected communities reflect a mix of density, demographics, income levels, regions of the United States, housing types, local and industry collaborations, and technical approaches.
US Ignite is overseeing deployment efforts, promoting outreach, and working with social scientists to measure the societal impacts of Project OVERCOME on access to health care, education, employment, and skills development. US Ignite is also documenting the challenges and lessons learned from the project in an effort to inform national broadband strategy and inspire other communities to adopt innovative, community-driven approaches to bridging the digital divide.
This report features the seven Project OVERCOME communities and shines a light on the innovative solutions these communities are deploying in pursuit of digital equity.
- Project OVERCOME Overview
- The Y-Zone: A Digital Opportunity Zone Offering Free Internet Access
- A Systems Approach to Scaling Rural Co-op Efforts to Expand the Fiber Edge
- CBRS Deployment in the Historic Fruit Belt Neighborhood
- De Puente A Puente: Expanding Broadband Access in Loíza
- Building Internet Resilience from the Ashes of the Holiday Farm Fire
- Equitable Internet Initiative to Accelerate Outreach, Training, and Wireless Broadband Internet Sharing
- Project Empower: Cleveland’s Innovative Approach to Bridging the Digital Divide