Virtual (April 8, 2020) – Coronavirus has changed how Americans work and learn—but for millions of families and individuals, that change means being unable to access the critical resources they desperately need. Connected Nation (CN) is a national nonprofit based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, that has advocated for improving access to broadband (high-speed internet) for nearly two decades—and it has put together an easy-to-use resource to help the most vulnerable populations during this difficult time.
Even before COVID-19 forced the closure of schools, it was estimated that 12 million school-aged children did not have adequate internet access at home to do their school assignments. It was so prevalent that a term was coined for it: the Homework Gap.
Just a month ago, many of these students could use the library or local businesses to access the internet and complete their homework assignments. The same goes for their parents who could use Wi-Fi at these locations to apply for jobs, access health records, buy less expensive goods online, and more.
But as you know—most, if not all, of those locations are now closed to the public. So, what can families who fall into the gap that we call the Digital Divide do? CN’s staff has been compiling a list of resources and solutions for those who need it the most.
This includes where and how to find free hotspots, what providers are promising to do (more than 650 listed), and resources for finding low-cost internet or phone service as well as internet-enabled devices. This list of resources can be found here: https://connectednation.org/coronavirus/resources-solutions-providing-connectivity/.
We are also providing some simple tips and tricks for quickly fixing an internet connection and improving your internet speed at no extra cost. Those tips can be found here: https://connectednation.org/helpful-tips-to-improve-your-internet/.
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About Connected Nation: Our mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. For more information, please visit: connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.