ComEd, Quilt and Node Unite to Bridge Digital Divide on Chicago’s South and West Sides

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To tackle internet connectivity challenges on Chicago’s South and West Sides, ComEd has partnered with Quilt and Node to address the digital divide that became glaringly apparent during the pandemic.& As students struggled to complete schoolwork, some resorted to using Wi-Fi at fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s, highlighting the critical need for reliable internet access in underserved communities. Community members voiced their concerns at a recent event held at the Woodlawn Resource Center.& The gathering featured insights from key figures like Dwayne Douglas, CEO of Quilt Corp. and Node Networks; Dave Perez, COO of ComEd and Felicia Dawson, VP of Strategic Partnerships at POAH Communities. The collaboration aims to bring affordable high-speed internet to neighborhoods with unstable connectivity, putting residents at a significant disadvantage in an increasingly digital world.& Internet access is essential for education, employment, healthcare and overall participation in modern society. Yet, many households in these areas remain disconnected due to cost and, perhaps more importantly, a deep-seated mistrust of service providers. Kyla Williams Tate emphasized the importance of infrastructure, adding, “Infrastructure is the foundation of a digital future, but infrastructure alone doesn’t connect communities—it’s the digital empowerment and engagement that truly drive economic impact.”& She underscored the need...

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