Bridging the Digital Divide

AT A GLANCE

Atherton Fiber’s Digital Opportunities Initiative seeks to “bridge the digital divide” in San Mateo County by partnering directly with schools and families to bring high-speed internet to every home in our service area that lacks it.

Latest News: Atherton Fiber is participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program

Imagine a community where businesses, schools and neighborhoods work together to bring high-speed internet to every kid.

Even before the pandemic, unequal access to high speed internet was a barrier for many in our community. But this inequity, which has deprived many San Mateo county families of countless opportunities, was made all the worse when the schools closed. Our students have been suddenly thrust into a new world of distance learning, and the sad fact is that those kids without internet access at home are at a desperate disadvantage.

Internet in the home is a necessity in modern society, and the pandemic has made it clear that it’s time to think of internet access as an essential utility, just like electricity and water.

We believe that every kid deserves the opportunity to learn. That’s why Atherton Fiber is committed to working both with individual families and with schools to directly help students who currently lack the high-speed internet they need to learn remotely.

Direct Help for Families through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a limited-time benefit for low-income consumers that will show up as a credit on your bill for High-Speed Home Internet and could pay for computing device. The U.S. Congress and President established this benefit in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

Direct Help for Families from Atherton Fiber

If your child qualifies for the National School Lunch Program, then you are already qualified for a Digital Opportunity Grant from Atherton Fiber, providing your family with free high-speed fiber optic internet access and necessary equipment for up to three full years.

For more information, please email Crystal Rose Galvan, crystal.rose@athertonfiber.com.