DALLAS, April 4,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Decade-long commitment of
internet services and digital literacy resources aims to reach 25
million people to help close the digital divide
Key Takeaways:
- AT&T commits an additional $3
billion, for a total of $5
billion since 2021, to narrow the digital divide
- AT&T aims to help 25 million people get and stay connected
by 2030
- The company’s additional $3
billion commitment will address the main barriers to
connectivity – affordability and adoption – for those who need it
most.
With millions in the United
States still lacking internet, isolating them from digital
literacy skills and a pathway to economic opportunity, AT&T*
announced today it is committing an additional $3 billion by 2030 to help close the digital
divide, bringing the company's total commitment to $5 billion since 2021. This cumulative commitment
includes an ambitious goal to help 25 million people get and stay
connected to affordable, high-speed internet access throughout this
decade. Working to close the digital divide is the linchpin of
AT&T's mission to leave no one behind when it comes to online
opportunity. This commitment is a pillar of the work the company
does to help build this country's digital infrastructure.
According to a Broadband Now study1, 42
million Americans still don't have access to wired or fixed
wireless broadband connections. And, many who do have access lack
the digital skills to take advantage of the economic, health,
education and social opportunities it provides. It is AT&T's
mission to help every American connect to greater possibilities by
not only expanding access to internet connections, but also
addressing affordability and adoption challenges. The company's
additional $3 billion commitment will
address the main barriers to connectivity – affordability and
adoption – for those who need it most.
"Connectivity is critical for success and prosperity in America
today. Whether it's a first-generation high school graduate
applying for college, a veteran accessing telehealth services, or a
grandparent connecting with their family thousands of miles away —
we want to help unlock greater possibility for the millions of
people who remain unconnected," said AT&T CEO John Stankey. "The pace of innovation and the
global economy aren't waiting on anyone, and we're committed to
bringing connectivity and digital literacy in reach for all
Americans."
Since 2021, nearly 5 million Americans have benefited from
our discounted internet service and digital literacy
programs.
AT&T continues to expand its network of Connected Learning
Centers (CLC) in communities across the country that are equipped
with high-speed internet connections and computers supplied by
Dell, Inc. Our CLCs provide access to these resources, with 37
centers currently operating with support from local non-profit
organizations across fifteen states.
AT&T CLCs, such as the Salvadoran American Leadership and
Educational Fund (SALEF) in Los
Angeles, provide not only internet connections and computers
but also the skills and training needed to help people safely
navigate the online world. CLC's serve kids, college students,
adults and seniors with curriculum that teaches basic techniques
for using email and search engines. Additionally, CLCs provide
mentorship programs and customized instruction for those who need
help accomplishing specific tasks online, such as paying bills,
applying for jobs and submitting college applications.
"Coming to SALEF and utilizing their Connected Learning Center
has allowed me to pursue U.S. citizenship," said Leslie Gutierrez, who is originally from
Honduras. "Without the computers
and internet access within the CLC, I wouldn't have been able to
gather information as quickly or complete this process as
efficiently as I did. The SALEF CLC allowed me to confidently
pursue my path to citizenship, and for that I am incredibly
grateful."
"As a high school senior, I'm faced with a lot of big decisions
concerning what comes after graduation," said Gia Marie Duarte, student at Fairfax High School
in Los Angeles. "Coming to SALEF
made the process of figuring out my path forward a lot less
daunting, as I was able to utilize the CLC to research and apply to
colleges and universities. Thanks to the SALEF CLC, I have a lot to
look forward to in my future."
In addition to AT&T Connected Learning Center growth and
impact, communities have seen:
- More than $123 million in
charitable contributions given to non-profit organizations that are
on the frontlines of addressing the digital divide
- 360,000 students reached through The Achievery, AT&T's free
digital learning platform in collaboration with after-school
program organizations
- 288,000 adults educated through digital literacy resources,
courses and workshops in collaboration with Public Library
Association, National PTA and other collaborators.
- 245,000 laptops, devices or internet connection donations
Whether it is online safety curriculum or teaching people how to
manage online transactions – seniors, students and others are
exploring new worlds and feeding curiosities.
Increasing Coverage Throughout America's Tribal Lands
More than a third of Tribal lands lack broadband
connectivity2, and more than 18% of
indigenous people have no internet access at
all3.
Since 2021, more citizens on American Tribal lands can access
education programs and healthcare resources virtually, explore new
job opportunities and stay current on the latest news from home.
AT&T has expanded network coverage on Tribal lands by more than
40% and have opened AT&T Connected Learning Centers on the
Rincon and Pinoleville Pomo Nation reservations in California and the Cherokee Nation Tribal land
in Oklahoma.
"The Rincon Tribe is committed to closing the digital divide
within our reservation," stated Bo
Mazzetti, Chairman of the Rincon Tribe. "With the help and
support of AT&T, we have built a computer resource lab for our
tribal youth, seniors and residents that has already improved the
lives of many through student activities and workforce development.
It is our continued goal to help advance our people through
technology and bring access to educational services to our
community. We look forward to other tribes evolving like we have
had the opportunity to do."
Our additional $3B commitment
will address the main barriers to connectivity – access,
affordability and adoption – for those who need it most.
Connectivity Services: As the Federal Government's
Affordable Connectivity Program winds down later this spring –
absent additional funding from Congress, AT&T will continue to
offer our Access from AT&T service. Access makes the internet
more affordable for customers by providing qualifying households
with high-speed internet for $30 per
month. This service includes Wi-Fi at no additional charge and does
not include deposit fees. The company will expand connectivity
offers to include AT&T Prepaid, Cricket and other connectivity
solutions as they become available.
At the same time, AT&T will continue to advocate that
policymakers renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program
and find a long-term solution to support families most in need.
People affected by the digital divide need policies in place to
help stimulate the private investment needed to create more
affordable, high-speed internet access.
Education Offers: AT&T continues to offer discounted
wireless solutions to more than 135,000 public and private K-12
schools, colleges, and universities.
Public-Private Partnerships: For those areas hardest to
reach with connectivity, public-private partnerships remain key to
closing the gaps that still exist around the country. In the last
three years, the federal government has provided unprecedented
funding for broadband infrastructure, access and connectivity.
Since 2021, AT&T has won competitive bids for funding to deploy
more high-speed fiber broadband in 12 states including California, Louisiana and Texas. States also are gearing up to receive
more than $41 billion in federal
funds for building networks as part of the Broadband Equity,
Accessibility and Deployment (BEAD) program. We're looking forward
to taking part in BEAD funding opportunities and helping to close
the country's remaining broadband gap.
Best-in-class 5G and fiber networks: With Fiber and
5G, we've aggressively expanded our coverage; increasing capacity,
and strengthening network resiliency. Simply put, AT&T remains
focused on becoming the best and most expansive network in
America.
AT&T has the best global coverage of any U.S. wireless
provider4 and the largest wireless
network covering 99%5 of Americans, with 5G coverage
reaching 295 million people in more than 24,500 cities and towns in
the U.S., including more than 210 million people with 5G+.
*About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and
neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater
possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G
wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate
to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc.
(NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can
learn more at investors.att.com.
1 FCC Underestimates Americans Unserved by Broadband
Internet by 50% - BroadbandNow.com
2
https://connectednation.org/press-releases/bridging-the-digital-divide-on-tribal-lands
3
https://about.bgov.com/news/native-americans-long-left-out-from-broadband-push-for-equity/#:~:text=As%20a%20group%2C%20Native%20Americans,people%20in%20non%2Dtribal%20areas
4 Based on destination coverage in select countries:
https://www.att.com/ecms/dam/att/consumer/upperfunnel/2018/pdf/International-Travel-Guide.pdf
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