In a recent initiative by the FLOTO project, in partnership with the University of Chicago’s Internet Equity Initiative, we embarked on a crucial study to uncover internet access disparities within Chicago, focusing on the South Shore and Logan Square neighborhoods. We distributed thousands of postcards inviting residents to participate in a study measuring internet performance, with incentives offered for their involvement.

However, an unforeseen challenge has emerged, predominantly affecting the South Shore area. Many of these postcards, essential for recruiting participants for our study, appear to have gone missing. This issue has impeded our research efforts and raised concerns about the potential impact on South Shore’s opportunity to secure vital funding for internet infrastructure improvements.

The absence of responses from South Shore, contrasted with the engagement from Logan Square, suggests a delivery problem that could jeopardize the neighborhood’s representation in our study. This data is critical for advocating for federal funds to bolster internet infrastructure in communities left behind in the digital age. The missing postcards represent more than a logistical hiccup; they underscore the complexities of reaching underserved communities and the necessity of innovative solutions to ensure every voice is heard.

Despite this obstacle, our commitment to the FLOTO project’s goals remains strong. We continue to seek ways to include South Shore residents in our study. Understanding their participation is pivotal in our quest to gather comprehensive data on internet performance across Chicago.

This incident serves as a reminder of the vital role that real-world data plays in informing policy and investment decisions. As we work to overcome these challenges, we invite our community to join us in this important endeavor, ensuring that every neighborhood can contribute to and benefit from our research. Please consider joining our study or passing the opportunity along to others in your community who might be interested. Read more about the study on our website here.

Together, we can bridge the digital divide, one postcard at a time.