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
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
"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
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 (NYSE: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
"Coming to SALEF and utilizing their Connected Learning Center has allowed me to pursue
"As a high school senior, I'm faced with a lot of big decisions concerning what comes after graduation," said
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
"The Rincon Tribe is committed to closing the digital divide within our reservation," stated
Our additional
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
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
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
About AT&T
We help more than 100 million
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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