Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced Newark’s achievement as a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) recognizes the city’s commitment to reducing the digital divide. Mayor Baraka’s 2023 initiative focuses on providing affordable, high-speed internet for all residents and businesses.
“My goal is to ensure every Newarker has access to free or very low-cost, high-speed internet,” said Mayor Baraka. As the COVID-19 pandemic showed us, reliable and affordable connectivity is no longer a ‘nice to have,’ it is a ‘must have.’ From remote learning to telework, our children, families, and workforce will fall behind if we do not have quality and reliable internet access. We are leaving no stone unturned to reach this goal, including expanding Newark Fiber, public Wi-Fi service, and working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to extend coverage and options to every door in the city.”
Expanding Access and Building Skills
Newark leads in New Jersey with its innovative digital strategies. The city is enhancing the Newark Fiber network, introducing new ISPs, and advancing digital literacy. This year, Newark’s efforts include surveys for federal funding and a campaign to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). About half of Newark’s households qualify for ACP, with 30% already benefiting, saving families nearly $1 million monthly.
“Newark has worked tirelessly to increase access to broadband, digital skills and access to tech-enabled devices. Our agencies and private and non-profit partners continue to find creative ways to ensure every Newark household has the connectivity they need to be part of the innovation economy. We will continue to expand broadband access through our municipally-run Newark Fiber network, attracting new internet service providers, and expanding on our digital inclusion initiatives. These efforts will ensure households citywide are digitally included in the months and years ahead,” shared Aaron Meyerson, Invest Newark’s Chief Innovation Economy Officer and Director of Broadband.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
This year, Newark joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, with 47 total awardees representing municipal, county, and regional governments paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the U.S.
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