The City of Philadelphia is well aware of the need for dependable internet access for its citizens, particularly during the months of remote learning. To address this requirement, they launched PHLConnected, a program that provides free internet to qualified homes with children aged preschool to 12 years old. This program has enabled more than 17,500 internet connections, but there is still much work to be done. To gain a better understanding of how other cities are tackling the digital divide, let's take a look at four cities across the United States: Chattanooga, Philadelphia, Houston and Sacramento, California.
Each city has adopted different approaches to connecting their residents. In Chattanooga, the city has invested in a fiber-optic network that provides high-speed internet access to all citizens. This network is managed by the Electric Power Board (EPB), a public utility owned by the city. EPB also offers discounted internet plans for low-income households and seniors. In Philadelphia, the city has partnered with Comcast to provide low-cost internet access to low-income households. The program, called Internet Essentials, offers speeds of up to 25 Mbps for $9.95 per month.
The city also offers free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces such as parks and libraries. In Houston, the city has partnered with AT&T to provide low-cost internet access to low-income households. The program, called Access from AT&T, offers speeds of up to 10 Mbps for $10 per month. The city also offers free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces such as parks and libraries. In Sacramento, California, the city has partnered with AT&T and Comcast to provide low-cost internet access to low-income households. The program, called Connected California, offers speeds of up to 10 Mbps for $10 per month.
The city also offers free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces such as parks and libraries. These are just some of the noteworthy efforts being made by cities across the country to bridge the digital divide within underserved communities. By providing access to affordable and reliable internet services, these cities are helping to ensure that all residents have equal access to educational and economic opportunities. The digital divide is an issue that affects many cities across the United States. By looking at how four cities have addressed this issue, we can gain insight into how other cities can bridge this divide and ensure that all citizens have access to reliable internet services.
