Device and Connectivity OKR:
Create a continuous no-cost device diagnostic/repair service
Many times, the obstacle faced by a resident is not that they lack a device for connecting digitally, but that their device is simply not working for some reason. This can happen for any of a number of simple reasons: A software update is missing, a hardware component failed, or a virus is causing trouble. Ensuring connectivity, then, is not just about distributing new devices, but also about helping residents get their existing devices that they already own up and working again.
On April 20, 2024, the CDE lent support to a great collaboration between Duke Energy and Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D) called “Device Diagnostic Day.” The purpose of this event was to address the digital divide in our community, providing residents (in this case, residents of Greer Heights) with critical support for their electronic devices. Community members brought in malfunctioning devices for free diagnosis and repair by volunteer IT specialists. Those devices that could be repaired were fixed; if devices could not be fixed, we were ready with device replacements on site.
The people, resources, and commitment of these two organizations are what made this event possible. And now that we have seen the potential in these kinds of events, we are planning more, with a second pilot event planned for August 2024. We see both of these pilots as stepping stones to what we hope is a larger initiative; and by next year, the CDE aims to develop a comprehensive plan (and a “playbook”) to offer this service to at least 250 residents annually.
