The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically exposed how digital inequities are further marginalizing minority populations. Internet service providers invest less in broadband infrastructure in communities of color and low-income communities because doing so is considered to be less profitable.

The same neighborhoods that were redlined by banks and insurance companies now face similar discrimination by internet service providers — deemed “digital redlining.” On top of this, many people in marginalized communities can’t afford to connect to broadband or purchase connected devices. Accordingly, the residents of these communities find themselves unable to engage in distance learning, work remotely, access telemedicine, or connect with loved ones virtually.

The consequences of America’s extreme digital divide have been amplified in the current pandemic. Join us for an expert discussion on policy solutions to these connectivity barriers.

Speakers:

Maurita Coley- President and CEO of Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council

Lukas Pietrzak – Policy Associate at Next Century Cities

Daiquiri Ryan – Strategic Legal Advisor at the National Hispanic Media Coalition & Co-founder at Neta Collab

Angela Siefer – Executive Director of National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Moderator: Jenna Leventoff – Senior Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge

We’ll send call-in information to registrants in advance of the webinar.