How we can support our Charlotte neighbors without digital access during COVID-19
With the rapid and unprecedented shift in the way we work and learn taking place, it is critical that business, government, and civic leaders think quickly and act decisively to support our most vulnerable communities. With the recent closing of North Carolina schools in the wake of COVID-19, attention toward our most under-resourced students and families is paramount.
The digital divide is not a new issue, but the rapid shift to working and learning from home is shining a spotlight on how pressing the lack of access to the internet and devices impacts our neighbors with fewer resources. In Mecklenburg County, estimates show roughly 70,000 households lack broadband internet - the kind needed to work and learn from home. That translates to roughly 175,000 residents in Mecklenburg County alone.
How will these 70,000 families work or learn from home without adequate and affordable broadband internet service?
These figures do not take into account households and individuals who also lack access to a device with a keyboard, such as a laptop or desktop. To adequately work from home or learn from home, these types of devices are required - cellular data and smartphones will not be adequate. Even households with one computer will be strained during this time as multiple family members will need to share the device to telework and complete school work.
In our work at Digital Charlotte, we have seen first-hand the power that providing internet access, a laptop, and digital literacy skills has on allowing community members to thrive in our modern society.
In this unprecedented moment, there are actions companies and both city and county government can take to support under-resourced populations in our city:
▪ Internet service providers should enact a minimum 60-day hold on cutting off service to any customer. For many, the internet is how they receive their information, and access will be their lifeline to staying updated on the latest information, telecommuting to work, accessing vital services, and engaging with family members.
▪ Internet service providers, schools, and government buildings should open and leave on 24/7 all public access wifi hotspots across Mecklenburg County. While affordable broadband in the home is ideal, all measures should be taken to ensure people impacted by the digital divide have the necessary access to essential services, learning tools, and telework opportunities. Charter Spectrum has already taken this step to not only open their wifi locations for public use but also offer k-12 families free service for the next 6 months. AT&T internet service has also suspended data caps on all home internet plans.
▪ We know that there are tens of thousands of computers decommissioned by Charlotte companies annually. Any company that has considered donating these needs to do so right now. Removing all bureaucratic red tape and getting them into the hands of non-profit technology refurbishers like E2D. Families without access to a device during this moment will lack access to critical information, job opportunities, and supportive services. These devices can be swiftly refurbished and provided to those in need. If you are ready to donate - contact E2D today: https://www.e-2-d.org/
Bruce Clark is the Executive Director of Digital Charlotte, a project of the Knight School of Communication at Queens University of Charlotte. Inc. In his role he leads an effort to empower community organizations to engage in the work of digital and media literacy, including the release of the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance strategic plan focused on reducing the digital divide from 19% to 9% by 2025.