Reliable internet isn’t a luxury — it’s a gateway to education, opportunity, and community. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can do much more than build networks or offer discounted plans. By investing directly in communities and creating spaces that empower people to thrive, they play a vital role in closing the digital divide.
AT&T: Scaling Digital Inclusion Through Connected Learning Centers
AT&T is making one of the most ambitious investments in digital equity by committing $5 billion through 2030 to help 25 million people get connected. At the heart of this strategy are its Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) — technology-rich spaces that offer free internet access, computers, and digital literacy resources in trusted community locations like libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs, and nonprofit facilities.
Each CLC is supported with a $50,000 grant, high-speed fiber internet, Dell computers, AT&T employee volunteers, and tailored programming focused on helping people build digital skills and confidence. What sets AT&T’s approach apart is its scale and long-term commitment, ensuring that digital access is not just available, but sustainable and embedded in the fabric of the communities it serves. From students completing homework and seniors staying socially connected, to job seekers navigating online applications, AT&T’s CLCs are practical, inclusive hubs of opportunity.
Impact Highlights:
- Over 64 Connected Learning Centers launched across 19 states since 2021.
- Reached more than 87,000 people with free internet, devices, and digital learning opportunities.
- Each CLC receives a $50,000 grant, Dell computers, and fiber internet provided by AT&T.
- Centers are operated in partnership with trusted organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, public libraries, and local nonprofits.
- 14 CLCs in Texas, including the 50th national site in Austin, have served over 33,000 Texans.
- In 2025, AT&T will fund 25 new CLCs, aiming to reach 100 centers by 2027.
- Real-life outcomes include students completing homework, families applying for housing, and older adults gaining confidence in using technology.
Google Fiber: Building Digital Equity from the Ground Up
Google Fiber has embraced a hands-on, community-first approach to digital inclusion, demonstrating that an ISP’s role can go far beyond simply providing internet access. By partnering with public housing authorities, libraries, schools, and nonprofits, Google Fiber offers free or deeply subsidized gigabit-speed internet to underserved communities, while also investing in the digital literacy and empowerment programs necessary for long-term impact.
Their strategy recognizes that connectivity alone isn’t enough—people also need devices, skills, and ongoing support to fully participate in today’s digital world. Whether through direct service, infrastructure grants, or community training programs, Google Fiber is committed to bridging the digital divide in ways that are meaningful, measurable, and deeply rooted in local partnerships.
Impact Highlights:
- Offers free gigabit-speed internet to residents in public housing and nonprofits across multiple cities.
- In Austin, connected 337 households across three affordable housing properties.
- Donated refurbished devices and facilitated over 10,000 hours of digital literacy training through partnerships with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), Austin Community College, and local nonprofits.
- Through its Community Connections Program, has provided free high-speed internet to nearly 400 public sites — including schools, libraries, and senior centers.
- Installed a computer lab with fiber connectivity and digital training at the Harris Home for Children in Huntsville, AL.
- Sponsors the Digital Inclusion Fellowship in partnership with NTEN and PowerMyLearning, placing trained fellows in community organizations to deliver tech and job-readiness education.
- Runs Community Leaders programs like the one in Charlotte, where university students serve as digital tutors and media coaches in local nonprofits.
- Hosts digital literacy workshops in cities including Des Moines, Nashville, Atlanta, Mesa, and Austin during Digital Inclusion Week.
Monkeybrains ISP: Community-Driven Innovation in San Francisco
Monkeybrains is a local, independent ISP based in San Francisco that has become a standout example of how smaller providers can have a big impact on digital equity. Known for its agility and commitment to underserved populations, Monkeybrains takes a community-first approach to connectivity. Unlike large ISPs that rely on traditional infrastructure rollouts, Monkeybrains uses a hybrid model of fixed wireless and fiber to deliver gigabit speeds at a fraction of the cost and time.
The company has prioritized bringing high-speed internet to low-income housing and small multi-unit buildings, often stepping in where others won’t. Their innovative, DIY-style deployments, combined with strong nonprofit and city partnerships, show what’s possible when ISPs operate with equity and accessibility as core values — not just add-ons.
Impact Highlights:
- Partnered with the Department of Technology and their Fiber to Housing (FTH) Program to bring free or low-cost gigabit internet to over 5,700 units throughout San Francisco.
- Installed high-speed infrastructure valued at ~$20,000 per building at no cost to residents, including routers in each unit.
- Deploys rooftop wireless backhaul systems that connect buildings to fiber within 48 hours, bypassing the need for lengthy permitting.
- Uses millimeter-wave technology (Siklu MultiHaul) to provide 500+ Mbps service to small multi-tenant buildings that are often overlooked by major providers.
- Donates equipment to schools, shelters, and community centers, using extra hardware from crowdfunding campaigns.
- Collaborated with the City of San Francisco’s dark fiber program and engaged local communities through forums and public education events.
- Maintains a policy of treating all subscribers equally, regardless of whether they pay market rates or receive subsidized service, reinforcing the belief that digital access is a right, not a privilege.
Best Practices: A Blueprint for Other ISPs
To truly bridge the digital divide, ISPs can take a page from these initiatives and invest in both infrastructure and people. Key best practices include:
- Supporting equipment, training, and funding in tandem.
- Partnering with local organizations like schools, public housing authorities, and libraries to co-create programs.
- Providing free or low-cost broadband to low-income households and public centers.
- Deploying digital literacy programs such as fellowships, community ambassador roles, and volunteer networks.
- Tracking results through metrics like connected households, hours of training delivered, and overall engagement.
- Sharing success stories to inspire trust and encourage further partnerships.
Let’s Partner to Make a Difference!
If you work for an ISP, let’s explore partnership opportunities! Together, we can leverage these connections to make reliable internet a force for equitable opportunity in every community.
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