Literacy CNY seeks to close ‘digital divide’

With today’s constant advancements in technology, not every family is financially able to keep up by purchasing the latest computer electronics and subscribing to broadband internet access.

And both are now quickly becoming necessities to function in the modern world.

“The Central New York region is an area that extremely disconnected when it comes to both having access to the internet and having a device that has access to the internet,” explained Lydia Torres, digital literacy coordinator with the Syracuse-based Literacy CNY.

Torres said that U.S. Census data from 2020 showed 18.7% of people in Oneida County don’t have access to the internet and 12.5% don’t have a computing device. In Madison County, 18% of residents don’t have access to the internet and 11.8% don’t have a computing device.

Both areas are higher than the state average of 16.8% without internet and 10.4% without a

computing device.

Literacy CNY recently started its Digital Literacy Program with the goal of getting as many area residents as possible connected to the internet. They are reaching out to residents of Oneida, Madison, Herkimer and Onondaga counties to help them take advantage of the discounts available through a Federal Communication Commission program.

The FFC’s Affordable Connectivity Program — one of several broadband-focused initiatives in the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden last November — is designed to help families and households who might be struggling to afford internet service. Whether the children need a computer and internet access to complete their schoolwork; mom and dad need it to connect with healthcare services, to work from home or to renew their licenses and registrations with the DMV; or for any other computer needs, the program helps pay for both electronics and broadband online access.

Torres said those who qualify can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for their electronic devices including laptops, desktop computers or tablets purchased through a participating provider. They can also get up to $30 a month discount — or up to $75 a month discount for households on qualifying tribal lands — on internet service charges.

Area residents can qualify for the ACP with income levels falling at 200% of federal poverty levels, for example a combined income of $55,500 for a family of four in the 48 contingent United States. They can also qualify if they, their child or their dependent participate in a government assistance program like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC or other programs. Also, if anyone in the household receives a Lifeline benefit they can also qualify.

Torres said she hopes more people will take advantage of the program as they try to help as many as possible get connected with world through the internet.

“With the Central New York region being as disconnected as it is, we started our Digital Literacy program with the goal of narrowing the digital divide,” she explained. “Lack of computers in homes or easy access to the internet has serious economic and social consequences.”

For more information and a link to a full list of qualifications, to become a volunteer or to make a donation, visit www. literacycny.org.