[OPLIN 4cast] OPLIN 4Cast #747: As the pandemic drags on, only now are steps being taken to narrow the digital divide

Wed Apr 21 10:30:06 EDT 2021

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OPLIN 4Cast #747: As the pandemic drags on, only now are steps being taken
to narrow the digital divide
April 21st, 2021

[image: Child behind a barbed wire fence] The COVID-19 pandemic has
highlighted a lot of things over its course, but perhaps one of the most
noticeable points of attention is the digital divide. Those without
adequate (or any) broadband internet are at a severe disadvantage when
everything has moved to the online environment. It's been slow going, but
lawmakers and telcoms are finally beginning to take notice. Even the FCC is
allowing *you* to step up and help.

   -
   - New York caps the cost of broadband for low-income families
   <https://www.engadget.com/new-york-caps-the-cost-of-broadband-for-low-income-families-072923546.html>
   [Engadget] "ISPs must provide at least 25 Mbps download speeds or their
   current low-income internet speeds if those are greater. In centers like
   New York City where speeds tend to be faster, the bill caps the price of
   high-speed broadband over 200 Mbps at $20 per month. "
   - Washington State Votes To Kill Law That Restricted Community Broadband
   <https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210414/08352046611/washington-state-votes-to-kill-law-that-restricted-community-broadband.shtml>
   [Tech Dirt] "Frustrated by high prices, lack of competition, spotty
   coverage, and terrible customer service, some 750 US towns and cities have
   explored some kind of community broadband option. And while the telecom
   industry routinely likes to insist these efforts always end in disaster,
   that's never actually been true."
   - The Digital Divide is Real. AT&T Commits $2 Billion To Bridge the
   Broadband Connectivity Gap
   <https://dallasinnovates.com/the-digital-divide-is-real-att-commits-2-billion-to-bridge-the-broadband-connectivity-gap/>[Dallas
   Innovates] "AT&T also plans to build on its Access from AT&T program, which
   offers affordable internet services for $10 or less a month for qualifying
   households. Hundreds of Americans already use the program, which comes with
   free in-home Wi-Fi and no contract or installation fees, according to a
   statement. AT&T plans to expand this program by partnering with government
   policymakers to make sure funding is available to keep these options
   affordable."
   - Want to help close the digital divide? Use the FCC Speed Test app
   <https://mashable.com/article/fcc-speed-test-app-broadband-map>
   [Mashable] "When you open the app, you'll see how fast your download and
   upload speeds are, as well as other metrics that reflect the speed and
   strength of your internet connection for both mobile and in-home networks.
   The FCC will also receive that (anonymized) information to help them
   compile accurate data about internet access in households across the
   country."

*From the Ohio Web Library <http://ohioweblibrary.org>:*

   - A FOCUS ON THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IS A FOCUS ON EQUITY: Crain's yearlong
   series will examine the economic, educational and social inequalities
   between those who have computer, online access and those who don't.
   <https://search-ebscohost-com.proxy.oplin.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bwh&AN=148494298&site=ehost-live>
   (McCafferty, R. A. (2021). A FOCUS ON THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IS A FOCUS ON
   EQUITY: Crain’s yearlong series will examine the economic, educational and
   social inequalities between those who have computer, online access and
   those who don’t. *Crain’s Cleveland Business*, *42*(4), 1.)
   - RETHINKING OUR PURPOSE: Democratic stewardship and the digital divide
   <http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.oplin.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lfh&AN=127358938>
   (Miller, C. (2018). RETHINKING OUR PURPOSE: Democratic stewardship and the
   digital divide. *Literacy Today (2411-7862)*, *35*(4), 12–13.)
   - Chapter 4: The Digital Divide
   <https://search-ebscohost-com.proxy.oplin.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=148951874&site=ehost-live>
   (Lee King, D. (2021). Chapter 4: The Digital Divide. *Library Technology
   Reports*, *57*(2), 24–28.)

------------------------------
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