The term “digital divide” refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to both their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to their use of the Internet for a wide variety of activities.
Glossary of Statistical Terms
The digital divide can also include a lack of accessibility to modern, high-quality new technologies such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi access. The Haverhill Public Library strives to bridge the divide with our technology resources and adult technology programs and have highlighted other programs and incentives to increase access and improve digital literacy and skills.
At the Public Library
MassHire Internet Connect
Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) and MassHire are partnering with Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) and Verizon to support connectivity for unemployed Massachusetts residents that are working with MassHire and are actively seeking a job. Unemployed job seekers that satisfy program requirements may be eligible for temporarily discounted or subsidized internet service extended through December 31, 2021, access to a computer, and access to digital literacy training resources.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:
- Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
More information about the EBB program can be found through EveryoneOn plus Digital Learning Resources learn skills for on-demand jobs, educational resources for K-12 parents, and more!
Internet Essentials from Comcast
Internet Essentials from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home so you can have greater access to homework, job opportunities, healthcare and benefits, education resources and more. When you’re connected, you’re ready for anything.
You may qualify if you are eligible for public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others.
Digital Access Program for Seniors
Elder Services of Merrimack Valley has partnered with Fidelity House Human Services and Career Resources Corporation of Haverhill to offer the Free Digital Access Program!
Participants receive a free tablet computer; a data package if needed, and an in-person training about how to use the computer and internet. No computer experience needed! And if you already have a computer and just want additional training or learn more about online resources, they can help with that too! Training can cover everything from internet basics to the advanced features of Zoom/ If participants need a data plan/wi-fi access, they will pay the fees for up to one year. If, after six months, you are using the tablet to engage successfully online, it becomes yours at no cost! To learn more about the program, contact Nandi Munson at 978-946-1380 or nmunson@esmc.org.
ProLiteracy is dedicated to advancing adult literacy by providing numerous resources that can help one continue their education through this time of uncertainty. Resources they offer include those to help learners access the internet, tips on teaching from a distance, various webinars, and more.
EveryoneOn is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the digital divide, the gap in access to modern information and communications technology, by connecting low-income families to affordable internet services and computers and delivering digital skills training.
PCs for People offer low-cost Wi-Fi hotspots, computers, and laptops to qualifying households! They now accept Pell Grant documentation for eligibility for those college students affected by closures and virtual learning.