The Connect to Compete Initiative

More than 100 million Americans do not have high-speed Internet services in their homes and a significant percentage of Americans still do not own or have access to a computer. On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a new initiative and promising public/private partnership to assist many low-income Americans access the world-wide web. The Connect to Compete initiative will make available low-cost computers, free digital literacy training, and discounted broadband Internet access to low-income families impacted by the digital divide. The new initiative is part of the FCC's efforts to extend affordable broadband access to more communities and it is fully supported by $4 billion in in-kind donations from private partners. To qualify for the new initiative, families must qualify for free school lunches and have at least one child that participates in the National School Lunch Program.