At a community event in Los Angeles this week, Connect2Compete launched two initiatives aimed at encouraging Californians to adopt broadband in the home and access free digital literacy training in their communities and online. The initiatives announced include the "EveryoneOn" broadband awareness campaign and an offer for free and low-cost broadband Internet access. The event was sponsored and attended by Connect2Compete, the California Emerging Technology Fund and Youth Policy Institute (YPI), and was held at YPIs Hollywood FamilySource Center.
Speaking at the event, CETF President and CEO Sunne Wright McPeak said, "we are pleased with the progress California has made in the past six years to close the digital divide but are very mindful there is still a lot of work to be done. The most vulnerable Californians are further disadvantaged if they don’t have the right skills and tools to get connected. Digital literacy is an essential part of the equation if broadband is to truly empower people and transform lives."
The EveryoneOn campaign was developed by the Ad Council in conjunction with Connect2Compete, and targets the roughly 30% of Americans who are not using broadband to access the Internet at home. The campaign is expected to run for two years primarily through print media and radio. In addition to encouraging Americans to adopt broadband in the home, the campaign will urge providers of digital literacy training such as libraries, career centers and schools to register their organizations and services with Connect2Compete, making it easier for individuals in their communities to locate services in their communities.
In addition to announcing the EveryoneOn campaign, Connect2Compete announced a partnership with FreedomPop, and Los Angeles-based provider of wireless broadband service. As part of the C2C program, FreedomPop will offer up to 1GB per month of free broadband Internet access, and up to 12GB of Internet service per month for $9.99, for qualified C2C families. The offer requires the purchase of a router offered for a one-time cost of $49, which is a 50% discount off the normal price.
Connect2Compete was established by the Federal Communications Commission and is part of a national effort to bridge the digital divide in the United States. In California, efforts have been led by the California Emerging Technology Fund, created in 2006 by the California Public Utilities Commission as a condition of the mergers of SBC-AT&T, and Verizon-MCI. Connect2Compete and CETF have been working together to improve communication about digital divide issues in California, and to increase awareness about the resources available and value of broadband in the home.
