With access to speedy and reliable internet becoming more important than ever to California households, AT&T remains committed to advancing digital equity. To ensure that all Californians have access to high-quality internet, we are supporting communities and nonprofit organizations that help underserved residents overcome barriers to internet access.
From 2021-2022, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have donated more than $2 million to nonprofit organizations. These organizations provide innovative trainings, programs, resources and solutions to connect underserved communities. These donations will help provide access and internet skill development for both youth and adults and are directed to a variety of programs, including increasing K-12 student access to technology, homework support and academic tutoring. The financial support will also help build skills for adults and parents, provide computer access and assistance for community college students, digital literacy workshops for women experiencing homelessness and much more.
In addition, we are continuing our commitment by announcing nearly $550,000 in contributions across the state to California nonprofit organizations that are working to close the digital divide and make an impact in the lives of Californians.
The following organizations received grant funding:
- Asian Business Association Foundation
- Avenidas
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast
- Community Tech Network
- Dev Mission
- DIY Girls
- FIATM Group Inc.
- Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center
- RYSE Inc.
- San Diego Oasis
- Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund
- School on Wheels, Inc.
- Sierra College Foundation
- Silicon Valley Education Foundation
- Walking Shield, Inc.
- YMCA LA
We are also making the best use of resources from the private and public sector to expand access to high-quality internet and bolster our network.
Connected Learning Centers: This year, AT&T is opening four new Connected Learning Centers across California. Each of these Connected Learning Centers provide internet access and computers inside community centers designed to help students get online to conduct distance learning and do their homework. The Connected Learning Centers are in underserved communities with the goal to encourage more students and families to get connected through free access to the internet.
Offering Free Internet: AT&T is proud to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible households can sign-up for free internet service by combining the $30 a month benefit from ACP with our low-cost plan, Access from AT&T, which provides faster internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
Working with Government, Community and Tribal Leaders: AT&T is committed to working with state, local and Tribal governments to boost access to affordable and reliable internet in their communities. By working together, we can combine the recent government resources available for broadband along with investment from the private sector to quickly close the digital divide in our California communities.
Expanding Access to Fiber: To meet the demands for reliable, high-speed connections today – and in the future – we are investing in our fiber network. We see fiber as an asset that can provide more educational opportunities, enhance and improve access to healthcare, and strengthen the ways the community can connect with one another. Independent reviews, including CNET, recently named AT&T the best fiber internet provider of 2022 based on speeds, terms and value. And, they’ve gone on to name AT&T Fiber as top ranked for customer satisfaction and best overall fiber internet provider in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.
AT&T is committed to advance digital equity across the state and will continue to invest in community programs and services that expand access to high-speed fiber internet to more Californians.
