Page 37 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2022

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

can transmit more information faster than cable for conferencing, or simply relax. They’re able to access the internet on laptops or
file transfers, and cloud applications with equivalent download mobile devices at more than 11,500 participating restaurants with
and upload speeds. “In 5 years, the restaurant experience could Wi-Fi, always free of charge. Fiber-optics are essential to delivering
be very different than what it is today. High-speed internet is a a seamless experience. This agreement with AT&T helps to ensure
critical engine for growth and expansion, creativity and innovation, our customers can access the internet effortlessly and quickly.” –
and a reimagined consumer experience in the industry. We’re Whitney McGinnis, CIO and Vice President, McDonald’s USA. “Now
thrilled to work together with McDonald’s to help shape the more than ever, our McDonald’s restaurants have become the hub
future of restaurants.” – Michael Colaneri, Vice President, Retail for family, friends, school, and work. With this expansion, AT&T is
Enterprise Solutions. “Our goal is to provide our customers the focused on providing our customers with a fast, reliable connection
best experience possible, and we are excited to offer high speed and quality internet experience. AT&T’s proven reliability helps my
internet on a broader scale. Every day, our customers rely on organization stay connected to our customers, vendors, and keep
McDonald’s free Wi-Fi to work, study, connect with loved ones our essential business applications running smoothly.”

AT&T Contributes US$6 Million for Digital Literacy Initiatives

As part of $6 million in contributions, AT&T is bringing bilingual, lending. With support from AT&T, members of Digitunity's Digital
in-person digital literacy workshops to more than 400 libraries Opportunity Network will receive funding to conduct digital literacy
and community centers across the country. These contributions workshops at their respective locations over a six-month period.
are part of our $2 billion commitment from 2021 to 2023 to help Other nonprofit organizations interested in offering these courses
Draft
bridge the digital divide. AT&T’s digital literacy initiatives aim can apply to join the Network on Digitunity's website. Connected
to help more than 65,000 people learn to use computers and Nation will support virtual and in-person workshops for military
mobile devices, navigate the internet and commonly used apps, families at its Fort Campbell Training Facility and in partnership
and participate safely and responsibly in today’s increasingly with local community organizations in counties and regions across
connected world. These are crucial skills for people who are new to the U.S. Connected Nation has provided these areas – also known
using the internet and computers. The workshops will utilize online as Connected Communities – with technology planning services
digital literacy courses available through AT&T ScreenReady® through its Connected Program, which recognized digital literacy
and PLA Digital Learn. Created in collaboration with the Public training as a need. “It will take a collective response to narrow
Library Association (PLA), the courses teach skills ranging the digital divide,” said Charlene Lake, chief sustainability officer,
from technology basics to avoiding scams. The Public Library senior vice president, AT&T corporate responsibility, ESG. “That’s
Association selected 160 libraries that will receive contributions why AT&T is collaborating with libraries and community centers
to host digital literacy workshops. Two national digital equity to bring digital literacy tools and resources to people who are
nonprofit organizations, Digitunity and Connected Nation, will work unconnected or newly connected and unable to carry out many
with their network members to host workshops at community of the essential tasks our increasingly digital world requires.” "A
centers across the country. According to the FCC, more than 30% 2020 PLA survey found that about 88% of public libraries provide
of the U.S. population does not have fixed broadband service even some form of digital literacy support, but only 42% offer formal
though it’s available in their area. Even with access to affordable classes. Staffing and funding were the top barriers to providing
service, some are still not taking advantage of connectivity technology training,” said PLA President Maria McCauley. “AT&T's
because they lack the tools and resources to navigate the web contribution to PLA will boost access to digital literacy skills for the
safely and responsibly. Strong digital literacy skills are crucial for most vulnerable in our communities.”
overcoming the barriers millions of individuals and families face
when first participating in our digital-first world, including factors
like privacy and online safety. Digital literacy workshops can help
people learn how to use computers, mobile devices, and internet
resources, along with commonly used apps essential to managing
personal finances, applying for jobs, obtaining an education,
accessing telehealth services, and other everyday activities. Public
libraries play a vital role in providing access to the internet, devices,
and digital content, and knowledgeable staff to all — particularly
to people of color and youth in low-income households. In 2019,
nearly 54 million Americans accessed the internet in public
places, and public libraries alone hosted nearly 224 million public
internet use sessions. During the pandemic, libraries expanded
this reach with extended Wi-Fi access and hotspot and device

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