Newark Launches Low Cost Plan for Broadband Access

Mayor Ras Baraka announced a plan to provide affordable broadband Internet access to Newark residents, in a bid to bridge the so-called digital divide that leaves meany low income Americans behind in the modern economy.

The program, with a nonprofit entity called JerseyOn, is part of a plan to bring broadband Internet access to nearly 500,000 households in the state with no Internet access.

Under the pilot program, about $75,000 is being spent to bring hot spot access and digital literacy to 1,000 Newark students, with the initial classes in digital literacy offered through “My Brother’s Keeper” a program to help young men of color gain access to personal development and educational training.

“We know that in order for Newark residents of all ages to succeed in life, they need access to information technology,” said Baraka. “While the school district is able to provide Internet access during the day, we need to make sure they are connected at home and do not suffer from a ‘homework gap.’

Baraka said that 100 students that participate in the My Brother’s Keeper program will receive a year of free broadband Internet access and another 1,000 more devices will be provided to Newark students through the Youth One Stop, at 500 Broad Street.