A Team UP volunteer instructs a young student using a tablet.

Digital Navigators

Broadband Internet is central to every part of life and yet many people still do not have a high-speed connection at home.

Barriers to adoption are complex – and go well beyond affordability. Research shows that Americans often forgo Internet service because they aren’t aware of government subsidies like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), because they don’t think they need it, or because they don’t have the necessary digital skills.

That’s why Digital Navigators – individuals who are trained to help get more people connected – are critical to helping close the digital divide. Through Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity, we are working to build and expand a network of Digital Navigators across the country.

Digital Navigators Impact

Digital navigators make a clear, measurable impact in helping to close the digital divide. In fact, a recent Boston Consulting Group survey found that thanks to the support of digital navigators:

65%

More than 65 percent of respondents obtained Internet access or a computer or tablet at home

85%

More than 85 percent used the Internet more frequently

50%

Nearly 50 percent obtained better healthcare

33%

1 in 3 found a new job or earned a higher income

Digital Navigators are trusted individuals affiliated with local nonprofits, educational institutions, or governmental organizations who are trained to help people learn how to get online, use devices, and acquire digital skills. They assist those who don’t know where to start and can help open the door to opportunity and economic mobility.

They can help someone:

Learn about government subsidies like the Affordable Connectivity Program
Sign up for Internet service
Get a device
Connect to skills training and other digital literacy resources

Digital Navigators Across America

Although effective, digital navigator programs often remain underfunded. Through Project UP, we’re investing directly in community-based initiatives and programs to support and expand digital navigator and broadband adoption efforts in cities and states across the country. Here are some examples:

Chicago

Comcast is partnering with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to support, launch, and scale digital navigator programs and to create Tech Hubs that offer free WiFi access, as part of our nationwide Lift Zones program, at six Chicago-based YMCAs.

Learn More

Detroit

Saint Patrick’s Senior Center, Human-I-T, and Detroit Housing Commission are the three organizations Comcast has partnered with in Detroit to launch and scale digital navigator programs for individuals and families in the community.

Learn More

Seattle-Tacoma

Comcast is partnering with local organizations to advance programs that are designed to provide residents in the South Puget Sound Region with Internet access and skill-building services.

Learn More

Colorado

Comcast is supporting a new State of Colorado digital navigation program established by recently passed state legislation, as well as funding more than a dozen local Colorado community-based organizations in their work to advance digital equity.

Houston

Comcast is investing in community partners aimed at providing personalized digital skills training, offer workforce development/readiness workshops, and other tech education in the Houston area.

Miami

Comcast is partnering with the Miami Dade College to train students to become Digital Navigators and help get even more people in the South Florida area connected.