Partnership aims to decrease Philadelphia’s digital divide

Philadelphia recently partnered with Philadelphia Fund for Leadership, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (Philadelphia FLIE) and Keyspot Innovation and Technology Centers (KIT Centers) to enhance digital equity opportunities for residents and businesses experiencing the digital divide.

Verizon created Philadelphia FLIE and KIT Centers as innovation-focused community initiatives.

“Supporting the mission of the City’s Digital Equity Plan is particularly critical during this pandemic, and it is significant that we continue to encourage creative thinking and inclusive solutions that address digital inequities post-pandemic,” Eric Fitzgerald Reed, Verizon Public Policy director, said. “Verizon appreciates the opportunity to partner with the City through the efforts of the Digital Literacy Alliance and community stakeholders that are united in ensuring that Philadelphia residents, students, and future technologists have access to the digital tools of the innovation economy.”

KIT Centers will re-imagine the use of Keyspots, the city’s public computing centers, to provide residents with internet and technology access. Keyspot will also provide higher connectivity speeds for more innovative programming and activity.

Philadelphia FLIE will focus on creating a citywide system that advances programming and collaborative opportunities for under-represented minority entrepreneurs and innovators by providing guidance, expertise for their ideas, or secure funding.

Philadelphia FLIE complements Philadelphia’s existing Innovation Fund.