Massachusetts and Verizon enable new digital inclusion program
September 16 2021 - 8:30AM
To help narrow the digital divide, and with support from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Verizon Public Sector today
announced a new program to provide access to wireless broadband
data and voice services to underserved communities in Massachusetts
and eight neighboring states plus the District of Columbia. Verizon
will provide turnkey connectivity, devices and other solutions
available to eligible families who lack access to the internet.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts joins the Georgia Department
of Education in Verizon’s program of sponsor-state agreements with
state agencies and not-for-profit organizations to enable
communities to provide low-income residents with internet access in
a fast, simple way.
Under the Massachusetts agreement, state agencies or
not-for-profit organizations in Massachusetts, Connecticut,
Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. can participate in this
program. Eligible users of services in these states include those
who participate in the National School Lunch Program, Pell Grant
recipients, or members of households (as defined by federal tax
guidelines) with a household income that is lower than 135% of the
income designated by the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of reliable
internet access and the gaps in digital access. According to data
from the New American Economy Research Fund, 43.7 percent of
low-income households lacked access to personal high-speed internet
at home, more than double that of the rest of the population. With
many school systems implementing hybrid learning models for this
fall, the risk to students and families without access to the
internet remains critical.
This digital inclusion program is modeled after the Verizon
Distance Learning program, which provided access to reliable,
affordable Internet connections and solutions for more than 38
million students in 40 states and the District of Columbia during
the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, we worked with state and local governments
to provide connectivity for students shifting to online education
as quickly as possible,” said Jennifer Chronis, Senior Vice
President, Verizon Public Sector. “A significant digital divide
persists, and our mission is to help narrow the connectivity gap by
providing the easiest way for states and non-profits to get
families online.”
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on
June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of
technology, communications, information and entertainment products
and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence
around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in
2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and
solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering
on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity,
security and control.
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Media contact: Geoff
Basyegeoffrey.basye@verizon.com(202) 748-1882
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