(Redmond, WA, Wednesday, June 2, 2021) —Today, Microsoft announced a commitment to expand access to affordable high-speed internet (broadband), affordable devices, and digital skilling for racial and ethnic minority communities in eight major cities across the U.S. This expansion will focus on some of the largest broadband gaps in the country, specifically among Black and African American communities.
Microsoft also released updated data showing 120.4 million people still do not use the internet at broadband speeds. Through smart policy, strategic investments and partnerships with government agencies, corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit partners and community leaders, the company will permanently close the broadband adoption gap in disproportionately impacted communities. This effort will drive digital inclusion and social mobility, thereby improving access to education, health care and economic opportunity.
Microsoft is building partnerships and launching pilot projects in the following cities:
- Atlanta
- Cleveland
- Detroit
- El Paso
- Los Angeles
- Memphis
- Milwaukee
- New York City
This work is part of Microsoft’s Racial Equity Initiative, launched in June 2020, which aims to address racial inequity and injustice for the Black and African American community in the United States. For more information on the expansion of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, please visit: Addressing racial and digital inequity – Microsoft On the Issues.