Comcast and One Economy today announced a major technology learning and service initiative. The program, Comcast Digital Connectors, will take place during after-school hours at the Urban League of Springfield as well as in 21 other locations across the United States.
Teams of high school students, who come from diverse and low-income backgrounds, will gather at the Urban League three times a week after school throughout the year to learn digital literacy skills. The young people will then volunteer their time at community-based organizations, senior centers, churches and even in their own homes to help improve digital literacy.
The curriculum for Comcast Digital Connectors covers several broad areas to help the program participants learn real world applications for broadband technology. Modules include leadership principles, real world learning opportunities, digital technology skills development, community service, financial literacy and civic journalism. The students will learn how to network computer labs, connect wireless access points and create video documentaries.
One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. To date, more than 3,000 Digital Connectors have delivered more than 56,000 hours of technology focused community service. By the end of 2010, the Comcast Digital Connectors program will operate in at least 22 cities across America.
The Comcast Digital Connectors program will be rolled out in at least 22 locations across the U.S. including; Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Springfield, MA; Hanford, CA; Dearborn, MI; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Philadelphia, PA; Tallahassee, FL; W. Palm Beach, FL; Morgantown, WV; Atlanta, GA; Tacoma, WA; Pittsburgh, PA; Chicago, IL; Portland, OR and others.
Leap Wireless and One Economy earlier teamed up to apply for broadband stimulus funds that would bring wireless broadband access and digital literacy training to 23,000 low-income families in Baltimore, Houston, Memphis, San Diego and Washington, D.C. It builds on the work already done by Project Change Access, launched last fall in Portland, Ore., as a pilot by Leap Wireless and One Economy.
I’m a WiMAX fanboy because my hunch is that it could deliver FREE internet access. To everyone, everywhere. Free Wi-Fi is virtually everywhere, right now.
I believe at least 1Mbps access should be a RIGHT of everyone in the United States and that advertising could subsidize the service. For $15/month, you might eliminate the advertising. Higher tiers deliver faster speeds.
Gizmodo says the Google Phone “is a certainty.” But no carrier (except Comcast) would want a device that burns bandwidth and costs voice revenue.
Google Phone = Paradigm shift. Free voice. Now that’s competition!
Local broadcasters and newspapers could benefit using a Hulu or Boxee business model with targeted advertising. Subscriptions provide additional revenue.
Free. The new business model.
