The city of Charlotte is ratcheting up its efforts to help close the digital divide locally.
That's through the enhanced Access Charlotte program, an initiative created in 2020 to provide affordable housing communities equal access to internet, hardware and digital resources. The offering was established amid pandemic lockdowns, which heightened the digital divide issue.
The city announced this week that the program has expanded to provide free Spectrum internet services to more than 5,000 households and 15 community spaces over the next two years. Access Charlotte impacted 1,800 homes during its pilot run.
"We are so excited about launching Access Charlotte on this scale,” said Mayor Vi Lyles in a statement. “This is an initiative that can help solve a glaring divide in our community and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed in 2021 to provide Covid-19 relief. Charlotte plans to use the funds to pay for in-home internet service — with no modem fees, data caps or contracts.
“The city’s commitment to creating this powerful public-private partnership will bring fast, reliable broadband and in-home Wi-Fi to thousands of families across the city — enabling residents to participate fully in today’s digital world for work, learning, entertainment and staying connected," said Keith Dardis, senior vice president of Spectrum community solutions.
Access Charlotte program users will have access to digital navigators — individuals who will help participants meet their digital needs, such as technical support, education surrounding available resources and digital literacy training, the city said. A digital navigator can be requested by calling 311 or using the CLT+ app.
Spectrum will also provide security measures to help protect users from cyber threats.
Households that have joined Access Charlotte are eligible for the offering even if they are current Spectrum customers. Those who are not Spectrum customers can sign up to start receiving the service by calling (855) 326-5115 or visiting Spectrum's website. Current customers will be automatically included in the program, according to the city.
"This program has the potential to bring much-needed help and resources to many Charlotte residents,” said Markell Storay, the city's chief technology officer. “We are committed to closing the digital divide in our city, and we are thrilled to see Access Charlotte get off the ground.”
