Through his procedure initiative, Microsoft has worked to close the Digital Divide for the past four years by expanding broadband access in the US rural part. But reliable internet access, affordable is not always available in the city. The company is now distracting to urban areas and expanding Airband programs to Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York City, El Paso and Memphis.
Although broadband infrastructure is in these cities, access is still not affordable for many people because of the cost of service and devices. It leaves “Access to the essence of life beyond the range for millions,” As Airband Vickie Robinson’s general manager put it in a blog post. The problem is “especially acute in the Black, African, Latin American and Hispanic Community,” Robinson wrote.
In addition to reducing the cost of broadband services, Microsoft plans to provide free or low-cost devices to help people in poorly serveed communities in eight of the cities access the internet. It will also offer tools and resources to help people learn or improve digital skills. The company works with various partners to help make it happen, including PCs for people and digitalc.
One step of Microsoft adopted to close the Digital Divide is a financing program for people with low credit scores or no credit history which is a low-cost broadband customer from the ISP called Starry. They will be able to buy 2 surfaces and offices for homes and students at a price of $ 22 per month. This offer was open in Los Angeles and New York City, and Microsoft would take it to six other cities in the coming months.
Airband expansion to the city is also part of the Microsoft Racial Equity Initiative. The company announced the program last summer with the aim of addressing racial injustice and injustice for black and American American communities in the US.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing at the federal and state level to close the Digital Divide. President Biden’s infrastructure plan, including broadband expansion while the Govinria California Governor’s budget proposed showing a $ 7 billion public broadband project.