News Summary
The Urban League of Central Carolinas has secured up to $50,000 from AT&T to establish a Connected Learning Center aimed at bridging the digital divide. This center will provide high-speed internet and digital resources to the community. It’s the second CLC in North Carolina, part of AT&T’s larger commitment to invest $5 billion to enhance internet accessibility across the U.S. Additionally, Spectrum is expanding its internet services to more than 1,650 homes and businesses in Union County, contributing to improved connectivity in the region.
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Urban League of Central Carolinas (ULCC) will receive significant funding to establish an AT&T Connected Learning Center (CLC), part of a nationwide initiative aimed at closing the digital divide. The center, chosen as one of only 25 organizations to receive this funding, is set to open later this year and will provide the community with essential internet access and digital resources.
AT&T is contributing up to $50,000 to support the creation of this new center, which will feature high-speed internet, Dell computers, and digital literacy courses. The CLC aims to enable visitors to complete schoolwork, apply for jobs, manage healthcare, and maintain communication with family members, serving as a crucial resource in the area.
This new facility will be the second CLC in North Carolina, representing an important step in AT&T’s larger goal to invest $5 billion in efforts to bridge the digital divide across the United States. The initiative highlights the growing need for accessible internet services, especially in underserved communities.
Additional Connectivity Initiatives
In tandem with ULCC’s new center, Spectrum has announced its plans to extend internet services to more than 1,650 homes and small businesses in Union County, North Carolina. This expansion is part of Spectrum’s larger multi-year rural construction initiative, which is being supported with over $7 billion in private investment.
Spectrum aims to build over 100,000 miles of fiber-optic network infrastructure, bringing gigabit-speed internet access to more than 1.7 million new locations across the country. Their offerings include download speeds of up to 1 Gbps for consumers and small businesses, as well as Advanced WiFi services without modem fees or data caps.
Enhancing User Experience
According to reports, Spectrum has consistently exceeded advertised download and upload speeds during peak usage times, which is backed by data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The company also provides various services, including Spectrum Mobile™, offering users affordable plans with nationwide 5G access, and Spectrum TV, which features over 270 HD channels alongside a vast collection of On Demand movies and shows.
Compounding these developments is the arrival of Google Fiber, which has begun its service expansion in North Carolina’s Triangle region. Despite its availability, only 44% of Raleigh residents and 30% of Durham residents currently have access to Google Fiber services. Furthermore, issues related to fiber infrastructure installation have led to significant construction challenges, including utility disruptions in local communities.
Other Notable Efforts
Lumos has also initiated plans to expand its 100% Fiber Optic Internet network into Florida, aiming to construct nearly 7,500 miles of fiber to serve approximately 500,000 homes and businesses. This initiative has garnered positive feedback from local government officials, who view reliable and high-speed internet as essential for enhancing business operations and day-to-day life.
Collectively, these initiatives reflect a robust commitment from both private companies and non-profit organizations to address the pressing issue of internet accessibility. Through programs like the AT&T Connected Learning Center and Spectrum’s expansion efforts, both economic and educational opportunities will be enhanced for populations historically lacking adequate access to digital resources.
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Additional Resources
- QC News: Charlotte Area Counties Funding
- Wikipedia: Digital Divide
- Charter: Spectrum Gigabit Broadband in Union County
- Google Search: Spectrum Union County
- News Observer: Business News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Internet
- Business Wire: Lumos Fiber Optic Internet
- Google News: Lumos Fiber Optic Internet
Author: HERE Charlotte
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