With millions of people in the United States still lacking internet, denying them digital literacy skills and access to economic opportunity, AT&T* today announced an additional $3 billion through 2030 to help close the digital divide, expanding the company’s Total commitment reaches $5 Since 2021, this cumulative commitment includes an ambitious goal to help 25 million people get and stay connected to affordable high-speed internet access this decade. AT&T is committed to bridging the digital divide with a mission to leave no one behind when it comes to online opportunity. This commitment is the backbone of the company’s work to help build the country’s digital infrastructure.
According to a study by Broadband Now1, 42 million Americans still lack access to a wired or fixed wireless broadband connection. Moreover, many who do have access lack the digital skills to take advantage of the economic, health, educational and social opportunities it offers. AT&T’s mission is to help make greater possibilities available to every American by not only expanding the reach of internet connectivity but also solving affordability and adoption challenges. The company’s additional $3 billion commitment will address key barriers to connectivity for those who need it most—affordability and adoption.
“Connectivity is critical to success and prosperity in America today. Whether it’s a first-generation high school graduate applying to college, a veteran using telehealth services, or a grandparent staying connected to family thousands of miles away, we want to help Unlocking greater possibilities for millions of people who are not yet connected,” said AT&T CEO John Stankey. “The pace of innovation and the global economy waits for no one, and we are committed to providing connectivity and digital literacy to all Americans.”
Since 2021, nearly 5 million Americans have benefited from our discounted internet service and digital literacy programs.
AT&T continues to expand its network of Connected Learning Centers (CLCs), equipped with high-speed Internet connections and computers provided by Dell, in communities across the country. Our CLCs provide access to these resources and currently have 37 centers operating with support from local nonprofits in fifteen states.
AT&T CLCs, like the Salvador American Leadership and Education Fund (SALEF) in Los Angeles, not only provide Internet connections and computers, but also the skills and training needed to help people navigate the online world safely. CLC offers classes for children, college students, adults and seniors that teach basic techniques for using email and search engines. In addition, CLC offers mentoring programs and customized coaching for those who need help with specific tasks online, such as paying bills, applying for jobs, and submitting college applications.
“Coming to SALEF and taking advantage of their Connected Learning Center allowed me to obtain U.S. citizenship,” said Leslie Gutierrez from Honduras. “Without the computers and internet access within the CLC, I would not have been able to gather information as quickly or complete this process as efficiently as I did. SALEF CLC has allowed me to confidently pursue my path to citizenship, and for that I am extremely grateful.”
“As a high school student, I was faced with a lot of big decisions about what to do after graduation,” said Gia Marie Duarte, a student at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. “Coming to SALEF made the process of finding a path forward less daunting for me because I was able to use CLC to research and apply to colleges and universities. Thanks to SALEF CLC, I have a lot to look forward to in my future.”
In addition to the growth and impact of the AT&T Connected Learning Center, the community has seen:
- Provided more than $123 million in philanthropic contributions to nonprofits on the front lines of addressing the digital divide
- The Achievery, AT&T’s free digital learning platform in partnership with after-school program organizations, reaches 360,000 students
- Educated 288,000 adults through digital literacy resources, courses, and workshops in partnership with the Public Library Association, national PTAs, and other collaborators.
- 245,000 laptops, devices or internet connections donated
Whether it’s online safety courses or teaching people how to manage online transactions – seniors, students and others are discovering new worlds and satisfying their curiosity.
Expanding access to U.S. tribal lands
More than one-third of tribal lands lack broadband connectivity2more than 18% of Aboriginal people have no Internet access at all3.
Since 2021, more citizens on America’s tribal lands can virtually access educational programs and health care resources, explore new job opportunities, and learn about the latest news from home. AT&T has expanded network coverage on tribal lands by more than 40% and opened AT&T Connected Learning on the Rincon and Pinoville Pomo Nation reservations in California and Cherokee Nation lands in Oklahoma center.
“The Rincon Tribe is committed to closing the digital divide on our reservation,” said Rincon Tribal Chairman Bo Mazzetti. “With the help and support of AT&T, we established a computer resource lab for tribal youth, seniors and residents that has already improved the lives of many through student activities and workforce development. Our ongoing goal is to use technology to Helping our people advance and providing educational services to our communities. We look forward to other tribes continuing to grow as we have.”
Our additional $3 billion commitment will address key barriers to connectivity — access, affordability and adoption — for those who need it most.
connection service: As the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity program ends later this spring – without additional funding from Congress, AT&T will continue to offer our Access from AT&T service. Access makes the Internet more affordable for customers by providing high-speed Internet for $30 per month to qualifying households. The service includes free Wi-Fi and does not include a deposit. The company will expand its connectivity offerings to include AT&T Prepaid, Cricket and other available connectivity solutions.
In the meantime, AT&T will continue to advocate with policymakers to renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program and find long-term solutions to support families most in need. People affected by the digital divide need appropriate policies to help spur private investment to create more affordable high-speed internet access.
Education Discount: AT&T continues to provide discounted wireless solutions to more than 135,000 public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities.
public-private partnership: For those areas hardest to connect, public-private partnerships remain key to closing the gaps that remain across the country. Over the past three years, the federal government has provided unprecedented funding for broadband infrastructure, access and connectivity. Since 2021, AT&T has won a funding competition to deploy more high-speed fiber broadband in 12 states, including California, Louisiana and Texas. States are also poised to receive more than $41 billion in federal funding to build networks as part of the Broadband Equity, Accessibility, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative. We look forward to participating in BEAD funding opportunities and helping to close the country’s remaining broadband gap.
Best-in-class 5G and fiber optic networks: With fiber optics and 5G, we are aggressively expanding coverage; increasing capacity and enhancing network resiliency. Simply put, AT&T remains committed to being the best and broadest network in America.
AT&T has the best global coverage among U.S. wireless providers4 Largest wireless network covers 99%5 of Americans, 5G covers a population of 295 million in more than 24,500 cities and towns in the United States, of which the 5G+ population exceeds 210 million.