Access Charlotte Partners Bring “Holistic Approach” to Digital Equity

Published on July 19, 2023

Mother at dinner table using laptop sitting beside daughter writing in notebook

After the success of the small-scale pilot program in 2020, Access Charlotte is expanding to provide over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces with free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi. The growth of the program is an important step toward bridging the digital divide that exists throughout the city.

Achieving true digital equity is a significant undertaking that no one organization, public or private, can accomplish alone. That’s why the City of Charlotte has partnered with a number of stakeholders to turn the dream of Access Charlotte into a reality. “We’re excited, as a company, to be participating in the program,” said Vice President of Sales for Spectrum Community Solutions, Lynn Dodson. “Our broadband infrastructure is already in all the buildings, so we’ll be able to move quickly to activate services for the residents.”

Without Spectrum’s involvement, Access Charlotte would be missing a key component of its mission: access to the internet. However, internet access alone does not solve the digital equity problem; residents still need access to working technology, technological support, and internet education. “We’re not only looking at getting individuals and households connected to the internet,” explained Natali Betancur, Deputy Director of the Center for Digital Equity (CDE) at Queens University of Charlotte. “But also, do they need a device that they can utilize that internet on?” Questions like this fuel the CDE’s holistic approach to getting community members connected.

“Digital equity is no longer a luxury, right? Having access is not a luxury. Having access in today’s society is as necessary as your electricity and as your water. Access itself is critical to thrive in today’s modern society,” Betancur insisted. The CDE’s mission is to make Mecklenburg County the most digitally equitable community in America, and they’re not alone in aiming for county-wide equity.

“Public libraries have been at the forefront of digital equity work for decades, and we really appreciate the chance to collaborate with organizations like the Center for Digital Equity in providing communities with vital resources,” said Emery Ortiz, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system. “Access Charlotte is something we’re really excited to be a part of. This work is vast, and none of us have the capacity to do it on our own.” This need to work together is crucial, and it’s why the City of Charlotte has also included 311 in its expanded Access Charlotte program.

Whenever residents need financial assistance, technological support, or something else related to Access Charlotte, they can contact 311 or use the CLT+ app. Representatives from 311 will then refer them to the correct services, whether through the CDE or a community space like a public library. These organizations will provide hardware, resources, digital literacy, and more through the help of digital navigators—allowing “everyone to have the same opportunities as everyone else,” according to Ortiz.

So, what exactly does digital equity through Access Charlotte look like? For stakeholders, it looks like “grandparents being able to speak to their grandkids that live far away now that they have access to Facebook or Zoom.” It looks like “people who have new job opportunities because they have access to technology.” It looks like overcoming barriers, bolstering underserved communities, and improving the quality of life for all Charlotte residents. Digital equity ensures that no one is left behind.

Access Charlotte partnerships are vital to addressing the city’s digital divide and ensuring equitable access across Charlotte. Visit the Smart Charlotte webpage to learn more.