Communities with limited means of income prioritize other utilities over an internet connection. As a result, the digital divide continues to grow.
Location
Rural areas generally have rugged terrain or a limited population. This will dissuade an ISP from making an effort to provide internet access to the area.
Education
Communities with a prevalent digital divide are not the most literate. As a result, not many people will have a need for or even know what to do with an internet connection.
Demographics
Minority communities that already struggle to make ends meet are also deprived of the internet and its value. This essentially keeps them in the same situation which they could change if given access to the internet.
The Societal Impact Of The Digital Divide
Owing to the digital divide, there are real world implications involved. These include, but are not limited to:
Economic Disparity
Lack of access to ICTs and the internet limits employment opportunities. People can’t find new jobs nor are they able to grow in their own fields.
Lack Of Education Opportunities
The internet is the greatest teacher out there with countless ways to learn. Whether it is a college education, online course, or access to YouTube – the internet has it all. The digital divide prevents a person from accessing this.
Isolation
Without access to all the communication tools available on the internet, people without ICTs and the internet cannot keep in touch. Family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances cannot be contacted.
Altafiber And The Digital Divide
An ISP such as Altafiber has made a name for itself by providing the best internet solutions out there. With ultrafast internet plans, great connections, and amazing customer service, they’re one of the best in the business.
Owing to their internet prowess, they are making an effort to help bridge the digital divide. They do so by providing affordable and accessible internet programs into the fray of their offerings. To close the digital divide, Altafiber offers its qualifying customers a variety of initiatives. These include:
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP is a federal government backed internet initiative that provides a $30 discount on your Altafiber Internet plans. To make more sense of this, here is what that would look like:
Altafiber Plans
Internet Speed
Price Per Month
ACP Discount
New Price
Fioptics 400
400 Mbps
$39.99/month
$30/mo
$9.99/mo
Fioptics 800
800 Mbps
$49.99/month
$30/mo
$19.99/mo
Fioptics 1 Gig
1 Gbps
$59.99/month
$30/mo
$29.99/mo
Fioptics 2 Gig
2 Gbps
$79.99/month
$30/mo
$59.99/mo
In order to qualify for the ACP, you need to me a list of requirements. Once you’ve qualified, this discount is automatically added to your internet bill.
Altafiber ConnectED
The Altafiber ConnectED program is tasked with providing low-cost or free internet to libraries and schools. In doing so, Altafiber internet opens the doors to students getting an education and bridging the digital divide.
To qualify for the Altafiber ConnectED program, here’s what the school or library needs to do:
· In the proximity of Altafiber service
· Have at least 50% of the student population quality for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRPL)
· The school/library must not have access to affordable broadband internet.
Altafiber Community Wi-Fi
As the name suggests, this is Altafiber’s effort at offering free public Wi-Fi to the masses. If located in an Altafiber service areas, Altafiber community Wi-Fi hotspots will be available. These hotspots are located in locations such as:
· Parks and recreation centers
· Homeless shelters
· Libraries
· Community centers
· Public housing complexes
· Senior centers
This is an amazing way for the masses to use Altafiber internet, giving them the tools they need to bridge the digital divide. Whether it is taking an online class or online work, this community Wi-Fi can make all the difference in the world.
Digital Literacy
The digital divide is a real world problem that has held back many people from getting to where they deserve to be. Not having access to the internet is incredibly inconvenient but with the likes of Altafiber taking an initiative, the future might not seem so bleak. Concrete and consistent efforts in the right direction will almost certainly translate towards the desired outcome. The importance of the internet cannot be understated at all. You don’t have to be the biggest expert in all things internet to be able to use.
The internet can be used to video call a distant relative, google a recipe, watch a funny video, take a class, or start an online business. Any one of these things can improve the life of a person living without the internet. Altafiber’s efforts to help bridge this divide might not seem profound but the impact is long lasting and it can change the fate of many communities.
Final Thoughts
Altafiber Internet is known for many things. Its ultrafast, low-latency internet connections are among the best in the market. While urban users take advantage of this, Altafiber is also working hard to ensure rural residents do as well. Not only does Altafiber sell a great product, they try to make sure as many people get it as possible.
If you’re someone willing to join the family, get in touch with Altafiber customer service today!
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