Device and Connectivity OKR
Develop a second iteration of a post-ACP strategy that supports the most vulnerable (nine covered populations) in maintaining their internet service.
Last year, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) faced an abrupt enrollment freeze when funds were exhausted. In response, the CDE began exploring the possibility of supporting other programs that provide a similar service. We then collected our findings and created a simple one-sheet guide for residents directing them towards various programs of low-cost and no-cost internet service available in Mecklenburg county. This sheet detailed the various connection speeds and price points available so that residents could make informed decisions about internet providers and find a service that suited their own needs.
One of these programs includes Access Charlotte, a program offered by the City of Charlotte through the Innovation & Technology Department that helps residents get connected to the internet. Certain properties within the city are able to provide their residents with free internet through the program, and the list of participating locations has expanded greatly over the past year. The CDE played a key role in advocating for the expansion of the Access Charlotte program.
To date, Access Charlotte is providing free in-home high-speed internet to over 8,900 households across 76 sites, as well as four public spaces, 12 housing common areas, one community center, and one learning lab. Of the 12 common areas, 11 are within Inlivian and DreamKey communities serving seniors, a key covered population. The other common area serves the disabled population.
The CDE is also providing Digital Navigators to help serve Access Charlotte-appointed neighborhoods. These Digital Navigators are helping residents acquire devices (for example, through a laptop distribution), get oriented to their devices, sign up for digital skills classes, and find additional tech support if needed.
Much of the strategy here has been to target key properties, neighborhoods, and community centers, working closely with property managers to get the word out and encourage participation by residents. Taking this kind of “geographic approach” allows us to help the most residents while also ensuring that we are reaching people from our nine target populations.
For the rest of the year, the CDE plans to continue working with the city on the Access Charlotte program and is in the process of hiring more Digital Navigators to meet the area’s needs.