Access to technology and high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity in today’s connected world. However, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions, including many in Indiana, still don’t have adequate access to the internet or connected devices.
Nationwide, AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. Here in Indiana, we are bringing those resources to both urban and rural communities, helping to close the digital equity gap through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
Connecting Indiana communities to digital resources
AT&T hosted a series of events this fall to provide families and students of all ages with needed technology, connectivity, skills and training. This included multiple laptop giveaways, totaling 400 donated devices.
- Working with the Learning Network of Clinton County, AT&T and Human-I-T supplied 70 adult learners with a free refurbished laptop this past October. AT&T also made a $23,000 contribution to enhance the Technology Today program at the Learning Network, which offers personalized support to help adult learners develop essential digital literacy skills.
- 100 refurbished laptops and backpacks filled with school supplies went to students in need attending Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville.
- In November, AT&T and Human-I-T provided 130 refurbished laptops to Indianapolis families served by the John Boner Neighborhood Centers (JBNC). AT&T also made a $40,000 contribution that enabled JBNC to upgrade its computer lab and expand its digital literacy programs. JBNC will offer monthly classes on computer and software skills, including Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, and Essential Software Skills, among others.
James Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, JBNC, said: “In today’s modern world, digital literacy has become just as essential as traditional literacy. The ability to access, understand and use technology is now a vital skill for those seeking employment, pursuing education, and participating in society. Unfortunately, many members of our community still lack reliable access to technology and the training needed to develop these crucial skills, which creates significant barriers to opportunity. These laptops will be truly transformative for our families. And AT&T’s generous contribution will help us update our computer lab and offer monthly digital literacy classes – providing the tools and training many of our neighbors need to succeed in life.”
Expanding fiber across Indiana
Also in November, AT&T announced a significant milestone in the effort to connect rural portions of Lawrence County. Two of three public-private projects with Lawrence County to build AT&T Fiber have been completed. Nearly 3,600 homes, farms and businesses in rural Lawrence County now have access to AT&T Fiber. Additionally, AT&T Fiber is now available in the City of Bedford, offering more than 3,000 homes and businesses connectivity.
We further celebrated this milestone by donating 100 refurbished laptops to the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council. The Council will distribute the devices to organizations that support local families in need.
Every community in Indiana, regardless of size, deserves reliable high-speed fiber connectivity and the tools needed to access online resources. With these projects complete and additional construction underway, we look forward to delivering the benefits of broadband to rural residents throughout Lawrence County.
Lawrence County Commissioner Rodney Fish said: “We are grateful for AT&T’s commitment to expanding high-speed internet access in Lawrence County and for their generous donation of laptops to families who need them most. Reliable connectivity is essential in today’s world, impacting everything from education to daily living. AT&T has proven to be a great provider to work with, and we are very excited that AT&T Fiber is now available to nearly 3,600 residents, farmers and businesses in our county.”
AT&T has been selected for four public-private projects in Lawrence County totaling more than $12 million that will bring AT&T Fiber to nearly 5,000 customers in the county. More expansion is underway, including a project through the State of Indiana’s Next Level Connections broadband grant program to bring AT&T Fiber to an additional 700 Lawrence County locations.
AT&T has extensive experience deploying fiber-optics across Indiana. More than 650,000 customer locations in parts of more than 80 communities across the state now have access to AT&T Fiber. AT&T has also recently completed public-private fiber builds in Delaware County, the City of Martinsville, the City of Boonville, and Vanderburgh County.
From 2020-2024, AT&T invested nearly $1.9 billion in its wireless and wireline networks in Indiana.
These recent initiatives highlight AT&T’s statewide commitment to connecting Indiana families. By collaborating with public, government and nonprofit entities, we are able to enhance digital literacy, unlock education and career resources, and build an infrastructure that powers the connected world.
