Extending Broadband to Underserved Communities

This article from the Techsoup.org group focuses on providing computer and Internet access capacity in public libraries and community centers.While part of the article focuses on serving the seasonal migration of Arizonans, it does highlight factors in a successful program to extend Internet-connected computers to low-income communities, namely, the importance of providing computer training and support.
I don’t know how we’re going to support the patrons using them. We have asked for volunteers. We need computer-savvy volunteers that are not afraid to go in and help somebody set up an email and stuff like that.
The article also references the results of another project to provide free broadband wireless access to elderly people in the San Francisco area. This lifeline connects people to community activities and family members.

Moreover, "the One Economy program, which began in California through a partnership with Mercy Housing, will bring free Internet access to low-income housing in 31 states over the next 18 months," as mentioned in the article. This reflects another example of the role of government in a public-private partnership directing services to underserved communities, where free market economy has neglected this area.

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