Device and Connectivity OKRs
No-Cost Devices OKR: Achieve a supply of no-cost devices for qualifying residents to increase device ownership across the ecosystem.
Low-Cost Devices OKR: Achieve a supply of low-cost devices for qualifying residents to increase device ownership across the ecosystem.
The CDE, in partnership with Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D) and other organizations, has continued to offer no-cost and low-cost devices for qualifying residents—and, more importantly, is implementing a more well-defined procedure for doing so.
In the first half of the year, we supported two distribution events, which provided 429 laptops to individual residents, and an additional 847 laptops were distributed across 39 organizations. During Digital Inclusion week, We also helped distribute eero mesh routers, which are available at no cost to residents.
As we help to support more events, we have found ways to improve upon them to serve our partners and communities better. For example:
- We used our newly developed intake form so that we could verify potential recipients’ needs and eligibility to receive a no-cost/low-cost laptop.
- Digital Navigators are now present at each distribution to help orient recipients in using the new device and to encourage them to register for further digital skilling classes. Digital Navigators received extra training to be able to facilitate this orientation.
- We have begun to pilot smaller “office hour” style distributions for those who miss large events.
Overall, we have found that our laptop distribution events are successful and much appreciated by participants. Nevertheless, demand for these devices still far outstrips supply. The CDE is currently working with E2D to evaluate options for increased capacity in the second half of the fiscal year, especially given the demonstrably high need.