Digital access to be provided throughout Tempe region

  • 2022-10-17
An amount of $34.6m has been approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to provide Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, along with its collaborators, with funds for equipment, broadband, training, and community support across the county.

This will make ASU the home to the largest digital equity initiative led by a university in the country. ASU Enterprise Technology will be collaborating with the non-profit Digital Equity Institute, Sun Corridor Network, and many students, faculty, and staff to provide devices to those in need to be able to connect to the internet and to improve digital proficiency. This partnership will help to connect institutions such as health clinics and schools, and provide educational programs that will enable communities to move from digital inequity to full participation. Announcements of such endeavors are often made known throughout a community with flyer printing.

Chief operating officer and executive vice president and of the ASU Public Enterprise, Chris Howard, said that providing this access at such a scale is embedded in the charter of ASU. Howard added that the digital equity agreement with the county means that the commitment of the university goes well beyond the physical location of the university.

Chairperson of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Bill Gates, said that through proactive leadership and collaborative partnerships, barriers will begin to be removed and internet access to all households in the region can become achievable.