The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a lifeline for millions of low-income Americans struggling to afford internet access, has officially shut down. Despite bipartisan support, Congress failed to secure additional funding, leaving the future of the program uncertain.
Bridging the digital divide in vast and harsh terrains like the Scottish Highlands, VMO2 embarks on a novel approach, utilizing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites from Starlink for critical backhaul services. Bypassing conventional, costly terrestrial infrastructure, VMO2’s tests have proven the potency of satellite technology in improving coverage across the UK.
In a significant move, AT&T has pledged an additional $3 billion investment by the end of the decade to address the digital divide in the United States, bringing its total commitment to this cause to $5 billion. This announcement comes as part of the telco’s ongoing efforts to ensure more Americans have access to affordable high-speed internet.
Verizon’s laudable initiative, Verizon Innovative Learning, has achieved a milestone by bringing digital skills training to seven million students, aiming to address digital inclusion. Their ongoing efforts focus on underserved Title I schools, providing them with an integrated technology curriculum, advanced tech tools and free internet connectivity.
Unearthing an alarming digital divide in the UK, researchers at Bionic discovered that 20% of adults lack basic online skills, and shockingly, half of the households do not have internet. In a critical look at digital inclusion in UK cities, Manchester stands out with an impressive 193 digital inclusion services, with Coventry and Bangor trailing behind. London, despite its size, did not break into the top 20 due to shortage of services relative to its population size.
Almost half of Britain’s deprived rural areas lack access to 5G, according to a study by Vodafone. Urban communities fare better, but the digital divide remains significant. While this disparity supports Vodafone’s push for a merger with Three to improve coverage, government approval is still pending. Is this research merely a tactic to justify the merger, or does it genuinely highlight the urgent need for connectivity solutions in these regions?
Cellnex, an esteemed telecom infrastructure supplier, is collaborating with Forever Manchester to foster digital inclusion, introducing two funds focused on nurturing related projects across Manchester. Reflecting the principles of the Greater Manchester Digital Inclusion Strategy, these funds could support various efforts such as improving online access for job seekers or distributing recycled computers.
ITU’s ambitious fundraising initiative aims to connect least developed countries, targeting $100 billion by 2026. Managed by Partner2Connect, the project addresses the growing digital divide, as well as gender disparities in internet access, to promote global digital transformation.
Centene has partnered with AT&T, Connected Nation, Dell Technologies and Intel to help reduce the digital gap among youngsters by providing foster agencies in Florida and Missouri better access to the Internet. Centene and the other organizations donated over 1,000 computers and 2,200 hotspots under the K-12 Digital Divide Program. The Digital Divide refers to the economic, educational and social disparities that exist between those who have access to the Internet and those who do not. The program, which is hoped will have a positive influence on the general welfare of the youth, was necessary during the pandemic since computers and internet connectivity were essential for routine activities, such as attending school or visiting the doctor. Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T, commented: “This program brings together major players in the health and technology industries to ensure foster youth can access important digital resources that address physical,…
