Connect20
According to NTIA’s Internet Use Survey data, nearly 20% of Americans do not have a home broadband connection. We now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect all Americans to the benefits of robust high-speed broadband.
That’s why Network:On is focusing on connecting the unconnected – demonstrating successful ways to get Americans online and providing partners with resources to increase adoption rates in their communities. To do so, we are showcasing efforts to Connect the 20% and close the digital adoption gap!
Crucial to this effort are digital navigators! Digital navigators are people who “address the whole digital inclusion process…with community members through repeated interactions” (NDIA). The data is clear: 40 percent of respondents in a BCG survey said that “having someone walk [them] through the process [of getting online]” is one of the most important changes necessary to make them apply for a no-cost Internet plan.
Well-trusted community members acting as digital navigators provide much-needed guidance, answer questions and support efforts to get connected and we are seeing their work make a real impact.
The digital navigator model is essential to #Connect20.
In 2023, Network:On hosted two events to promote our Connect20 message.
November 2023 – Connect20 Summit. Network:On partnered with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and Broadband Breakfast to convene digital navigators, policymakers, and digital equity practitioners to discuss ways to address the digital adoption gap and champion programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
After an electric day of conversations, for Day 2 the digital navigators went to Capitol Hill and met with dozens of congressional offices to explain their work and champion the ACP.
June 2023 – ACP Summit. Our best tool to Connect20 is the Affordable Connectivity Program. We partnered with New America’s Open Technology Institute and Public Knowledge to host the ACP Summit to discuss the importance of the ACP to closing the digital divide and connecting everyone to America’s Excellent Internet.
We hosted NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson for a keynote presentation and received videos from Vice President Kamala Harris and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.
Spotlighted Organizations who are working to #Connect20
Throughout 2023, we highlighted organizations that are working to Connect20 in their communities nationwide.
OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates
Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania
