Comcast Sponsors Digital Equity Summit in Atlanta
ATLANTA–(BUSINESS THREAD)–Today Comcast is sponsored Digital Equity in Georgia: Using Networks to Bridge the Digital Divide – with Inspiredu, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting digital inclusion and literacy. The town hall took place at Atlanta’s Westside Works, a neighborhood-based workforce collaborative, and joined city officials, leading educators and numerous community partners for a discussion about creating digital equity and closing the digital divide.
The sponsorship is part of Project UP, Comcast’s 10-year, $1 billion pledge to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, promote economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.
The objectives of the summit were to understand more about the needs of vulnerable communities and to identify solutions and available resources to address them. The summit also honored the work of Comcast’s valued digital equity partners across the region, who have worked throughout the pandemic to help drive Internet adoption and provide digital literacy training to those in need.
Comcast EVP of Digital Equity and EVP of Public Policy Broderick Johnson spoke about Comcast’s efforts to create digital equity, including the opening of 10 Xfinity WiFi-connected elevator zones across the region. He also pointed to Comcast’s participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the company’s Internet Essentials initiative as successful efforts connecting low-income Americans to the Internet. Since 2011, Comcast’s Internet Essentials has connected more than 10 million underserved Americans to broadband service at home.
Mr. Johnson referred to a recent Boston Consulting Group study that revealed that those who received hands-on help were more likely to use the Internet to improve their lives. Study highlights include:
1 in 3 respondents reported that they had obtained a new job with a higher income
More than 65% now have internet access or a connected device at home
Almost half now have better health care
40% received support with basic needs such as food, rent and housing
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work together to close the digital divide across the country, including here in the great city of Atlanta,” said Broderick Johnson, Executive Vice President, Digital Equity and Executive Vice President, Public Policy. “The federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program has made broadband Internet free for millions of American households, but we all need to spread the word, help those who need support sign up, and empower them to use their broadband connections effectively.”
Also today, Comcast donated 500 laptops to students in grades 3-7 at KIPP Vision School in Atlanta. Part of KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, KIPP Vision Primary & Academy works to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence needed to pursue meaningful, choice-filled lives.
“We are incredibly grateful to Comcast for their generous donation of 500 laptops to our KIPPsters,” said Mini’imah Shaheed, Chief Executive Officer of the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. “Being connected at home will help our scholars thrive and put them on a level playing field to excel wherever their dreams may take them.”
Comcast continues to be a proud participant in the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers eligible people up to a $30 per month credit toward their Internet and mobile services (and $75 per month on tribal lands). New and existing Xfinity Internet or Internet Essentials customers can learn more about the program and sign up by visiting: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/acp/free-internet.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are primarily focused on connectivity, aggregation and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business and Sky brands; creates, distributes and streams leading entertainment, sports and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Air Sports; and offers unforgettable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
