Digital divide

DigitalC Celebrates Launch of Revolutionary Citywide Network in Cleveland

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a sold-out event on January 26, 2024, DigitalC celebrated the launch of its state-of-the-art, citywide network and introduced a collection of bold brand elements.

Key Points: 
  • Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a sold-out event on January 26, 2024, DigitalC celebrated the launch of its state-of-the-art, citywide network and introduced a collection of bold brand elements.
  • This four-year plan is supported by public, private, and philanthropic partners to bridge the digital divide in Cleveland - for good.
  • HybridX6: Signifying the innovative coupling of technologies employed to power the network, HybridX6 represents a cutting-edge network infrastructure.
  • DigitalC has deployed the first two sites of the citywide network in the Glenville and Fairfax neighborhoods, connecting over 200 households to date.

Coke Florida Empowers Communities Through Access to Educational and Technology Resources During Black History Month

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

Since its inception in 2015, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) has had a stated commitment to education through its Black History Month programming.

Key Points: 
  • Since its inception in 2015, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) has had a stated commitment to education through its Black History Month programming.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240201613255/en/
    Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida), a family-owned Coca-Cola bottler, announces that its Black History Month initiatives will again focus on education and technology access for Floridians.
  • Coke Florida's Black History Month program is in its ninth year and will surpass $800,000 in donations.
  • At the conclusion of Black History Month 2024, Coke Florida, through its laptop donation campaign, will have established and upgraded 11 community computer labs across the state.

T-Mobile Rolls Out Faster Speeds in Upstate New York with Expanded 5G Network

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Today, 5G Home Internet is available to 40% of homes in Upstate New York — that’s over 1.6 million households.

Key Points: 
  • Today, 5G Home Internet is available to 40% of homes in Upstate New York — that’s over 1.6 million households.
  • Residents can learn more and check eligibility at www.t-mobile.com/home-internet , and businesses can learn more about T-Mobile Business Internet by visiting www.t-mobile.com/business-internet .
  • With an expanding presence in New York, T-Mobile is also focused on helping to make a difference in communities across the state.
  • Delivered via 5G cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks.

Heifer International and FruitPunch AI Launch Artificial Intelligence Challenge in Nepal to Improve Data Access for Women Farmers

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global development organization Heifer International and FruitPunch AI, the global community educating and applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good, today launched the AI for Women Farmers Challenge — a project to develop AI tools to help rural women farmers in Nepal leverage data to improve their livelihoods.

Key Points: 
  • LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global development organization Heifer International and FruitPunch AI, the global community educating and applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good, today launched the AI for Women Farmers Challenge — a project to develop AI tools to help rural women farmers in Nepal leverage data to improve their livelihoods.
  • A second follow-on Challenge will create data structures from these results, focused on a specific use case, such as financial data to stimulate formal lending to farmers.
  • FruitPunch AI volunteers involved in the Challenge will build on their existing programming, data and AI skills, while being mentored by experts to become a certified AI for Good Engineer.
  • To date, Heifer Nepal has supported over 400,000 families, organized into 277 agricultural cooperatives — all working under the Social Entrepreneur Women Alliance, an apex governing body led by progressive women farmers.

Uzbek Super-app Ecosystem Humans Achieved near $42 Million Revenue for 2023

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Uzbekistan, Jan. 31, 2024 The Humans Group of Companies has published its financial and operational results for 2023.

Key Points: 
  • Uzbekistan, Jan. 31, 2024 The Humans Group of Companies has published its financial and operational results for 2023.
  • The company's total revenue for the year amounted to $41.7 million, with the ecosystem earning a total of $114 million over three years.
  • The turnover of the Humans Group in 2023 reached $984.2 million, of which $124.5 million was achieved in December alone.
  • According to the report, almost 1.1 million customers already use at least two services in the Humans super-app at the same time.

Gateway Fiber Continues Commitment to Bridging the Digital Divide with $6,465 Donation to PCs for People

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

WRIGHT CITY, Mo., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Community-focused Gateway Fiber is proud to announce a donation of $6,465 to PCs for People, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable computers and internet access to underserved communities. This charitable contribution is the result of Gateway Fiber's initiative to expand its reach by installing internet services in both Missouri and Minnesota.

Key Points: 
  • WRIGHT CITY, Mo., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Community-focused Gateway Fiber is proud to announce a donation of $6,465 to PCs for People, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable computers and internet access to underserved communities.
  • "We are deeply grateful for Gateway Fiber's commitment to our cause," said PCs for People CEO Casey Sorensen.
  • "At Gateway Fiber, we believe that access to high-quality internet is critical in today's digital age," said Heath Sellenriek, CEO of Gateway Fiber.
  • "We are deeply grateful for Gateway Fiber's commitment to our cause," said PCs for People CEO Casey Sorensen.

Spending too much time online? Try these helpful tips to improve your digital wellness

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

The adverse impacts of digital use have grown since the pandemic, as social isolation has increased dependence on these technologies.

Key Points: 
  • The adverse impacts of digital use have grown since the pandemic, as social isolation has increased dependence on these technologies.
  • Recognizing and managing digital problems can improve our digital wellbeing.
  • For some, digital autonomy refers to being in charge of personal data or having the right to withdraw consent from digital platforms.
  • For others, it may be the ability to turn away from digital use and access non-digital options.

Digital independence

  • Schools sometimes provide devices to students, and although this bridges the digital divide, it raises the question of whether students should be constantly available on digital devices?
  • How can we create an environment with varied choices while providing non-digital alternatives to accommodate individuals prone to digital addiction?
  • Conversely, how might individuals averse to digital platforms or those lacking digital accessibility avail non-digital opportunities?

Achieving balance

  • Digital risks and digital overload can have detrimental effects on different areas of life including interpersonal relationships, productivity, sleep patterns and the quality of life.
  • Wellbeing in the digital space largely depends on how we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by technology.
  • Focusing on balanced and ethical use of technology while addressing the potential negative consequences can help deflect negative impacts.

Tools for digital wellbeing

  • Engaging with technology without becoming dependent on it can contribute to physical, psychological, social and financial wellbeing.
  • Incorporating some daily practices, creating new digital habits, and striking a healthy balance between digital use and non-use can support wellbeing.
  • Creating a digital curfew
    Setting up a specific cut-off time for digital devices some hours before bedtime can improve sleep hygiene.
  • Forming offline social connections
    Staying away from digital devices while meeting friends in person can curb digital usage and bolster social connections.
  • Being wary of digital red flags
    Learning how to identify a scam and validating websites before making online payments helps to avoid financial scams.


Mary Lynn Young receives funding from SSHRC. Bindiya Dutt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Mobile Citizen Surpasses 1100 Customers Using Mobile Hotspots to Increase Digital Equity and Bridge Digital Divide

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Longmont, CO, Jan. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobile Citizen, a Voqal project focused on ending the digital divide by offering high-speed, affordable Internet to schools, libraries, nonprofits, and social welfare agencies, today announced that they have surpassed 1100 direct customers using their mobile hotspots and Internet service.

Key Points: 
  • Longmont, CO, Jan. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobile Citizen, a Voqal project focused on ending the digital divide by offering high-speed, affordable Internet to schools, libraries, nonprofits, and social welfare agencies, today announced that they have surpassed 1100 direct customers using their mobile hotspots and Internet service.
  • Mobile Citizen is committed to digital equity, inclusion, and ending the digital divide by supporting organizations across the country with low-cost Internet.
  • Mobile Citizen reaching 1100 direct customers is proof that we can successfully work together to provide high-speed, low-cost Internet to close the digital divide.”
    Mobile Citizen provides mobile Internet through mobile hotspots.
  • Mobile Citizen hopes that by supporting schools, libraries, nonprofits and social welfare agencies, together we can increase digital inclusion and advance social welfare.

CIRA and National Capital FreeNet team up to bring free and secure internet to low-income communities in Ottawa

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024

OTTAWA, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As more Canadians struggle with the rising costs of internet access and other essentials, CIRA joins forces with National Capital FreeNet, an Ottawa-based not-for-profit internet provider, to help tackle affordable urban connectivity.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As more Canadians struggle with the rising costs of internet access and other essentials, CIRA joins forces with National Capital FreeNet, an Ottawa-based not-for-profit internet provider, to help tackle affordable urban connectivity.
  • The network will deliver free, secure, fast and high-quality WiFi in indoor and outdoor community spaces where residents live, socialize and access social services.
  • However, even urban communities suffer from a lack of connectivity due to the high cost of internet access.
  • We are proud to partner with National Capital FreeNet to help close this gap by delivering community WiFi to low-income neighbourhoods in Ottawa.

Brightspeed Lights Up Salem with Fiber Optic Internet

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024

Salem, MO, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brightspeed, the nation’s fifth largest incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC), brings state-of-the-art fiber broadband network to Salem, Missouri.

Key Points: 
  • Salem, MO, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brightspeed, the nation’s fifth largest incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC), brings state-of-the-art fiber broadband network to Salem, Missouri.
  • More than 2,100 Salem families and businesses now have access to high-speed Brightspeed Fiber Internet services.
  • “Since we launched just over a year ago, we have been working on bringing our high-speed fiber broadband network to Salem where residents previously had limited access to quality high-speed internet services,” said Claudia Sands, Brightspeed director of state and local government affairs.
  • New customers in Salem are eligible for discounted pricing on Brightspeed’s ultrafast fiber internet plans.