The Unemployed & Homeless
The world has had a number of questions since the beginning of the pandemic. One of the more critical being, “How am I supposed to work from home if I do not have an Internet connection?” With over half a million people in the United States classified as homeless and over 20 million unemployed, COVID-19 is more than a health pandemic, it’s also a virtual crisis. (1) (2) (3)
Previously, the unemployed and homeless would frequently visit their local library to use the free computers before the outbreak or take advantage of free Wi-Fi offered in public spaces if they were fortunate enough to have a smartphone. These individuals are now struggling to find basic necessities like food, shelter, and jobs without having access to the Internet.
Children & Students
A staggering 7 million children did not have Internet at home before the pandemic and are now trying to cope with a virtual learning environment. (4) A family may have a smartphone instead of a computer; but, without a home Wi-Fi the family is paying for every minute of data used. This adds up quickly when you have up to four hours of virtual learning each day. Not to mention the families with multiple children who are now competing for screen time.
Fortunately, many Carriers are offering programs specifically designed for customers needing an economic solution. The offerings include a minimum 25Mb download, in-home Wi-Fi, and in some cases, National Wi-Fi hotspot access for a nominal cost. Reduced computer costs are also offered for PCs, laptops, and other technology.
See some of the current available offers below and share on your LinkedIn to expand the reach of these offers:
How Else Can You Help?
Consider sponsoring basic Internet for five households for a semester. Reach out to your local school district to build a program for reimbursement to families in need. Or, try contacting the closest homeless shelters and halfway houses for a free connectivity consultation. These are just a few of the ideas we have and I’m sure you can think of plenty more. The amount of entrepreneurial talent in the Channel is unmatched!
If we all continue to discuss, promote, and communicate the availability of these reduced-cost offerings, we can make an impact on those needing our help. Little by little, a little becomes a lot. We’re here to continue the conversation on how you can make an impact in your community. And as always, remember to reach out to our team if you or your customers need help with a solution for their (home) office.