Seattle Launches Internet for All Initiative to Address Digital Divide

Strategic Insights -

Seattle's Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and City Councilmembers Lorena Gonzalez, Alex Pedersen, and Debora Juarez announced the release of the initial Internet for All Report and Action Plan, building on the 2018 Technology Access and Adoption study. The initiative aims to increase access to key services and opportunities, such as education, job training, and unemployment assistance, by closing the digital divide. The report identifies eight strategies to address the gap in internet skills and access, including deploying more public Wi-Fi in digital equity areas and fostering up to 20,000 internet connections and devices for underserved individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Internet for All Initiative was launched to address internet and technology needs and disparities amplified by the COVID-19 crisis, with a focus on increasing access to affordable internet, low-cost devices, and digital skills training.
  • The report highlights the need to address digital inequities, with 45% of lower-income households reporting inadequate or sometimes adequate access to the internet in their household.
  • The initiative's goal is to close the digital divide by deploying more public Wi-Fi in digital equity areas, fostering up to 20,000 internet connections and devices for underserved individuals, and partnering with organizations to deliver culturally relevant digital inclusion programs.
  • The areas of Seattle with the largest portions of the 5% gap in internet adoption are: South Central Seattle, South Seattle, West Seattle, and downtown Lake City.
  • The City will continue to pursue private sector and philanthropic partnerships to expand access to reliable internet and digital inclusion programs.
  • Saad Bashir, Chief Technology Officer, City of Seattle, emphasized that access to affordable internet has become as essential as clean water and electricity, and Seattle is leading the way in digital equity.

Statistics:

  • 95% of Seattle households are connected to the internet (Source: City of Seattle, City's 2018 Technology Access and Adoption Study)
  • 45% of lower-income households reported inadequate or sometimes adequate access to the internet in their household (Source: City of Seattle, City's 2018 Technology Access and Adoption Study)
  • 20,000 internet connections and devices are expected to be fostered by 2023 (Source: Internet for All Report and Action Plan)
  • The City plans to deploy more public Wi-Fi in digital equity areas by 2021 (Source: Internet for All Report and Action Plan)

Sources:

  • City of Seattle, Internet for All Report and Action Plan
  • City of Seattle, 2018 Technology Access and Adoption Study