Tucson Builds Public-Private Partnership to Expand Connectivity
Officials in Tucson, Ariz., are working on an ambitious community wireless program to expand connectivity for teleworkers and virtual students. The pandemic has helped highlight glaring gaps in digital equity.
Expanding Internet access for those without reliable service remains a daunting logistical obstacle for many cities across the country.
To help close this digital divide, Insight Enterprises recently announced a partnership with the city of Tucson, Ariz., where more than 32,000 homes still lack reliable Internet access needed for things like remote work and virtual learning.
When the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the need to bolster connectivity last year, city leaders began discussing a city Wi-Fi expansion plan. Tucson city officials voted in August 2020 to use $4.4 million of federal CARES Act funds for its Community Wireless Program, which aims to provide service and routers to eligible residents.