In an ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable internet access, the FLOTO project, in collaboration with the Internet Equity Initiative (IEI), has been working closely with the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce (GECC) in Chicago. This case study highlights our journey of community engagement and technological advocacy in Englewood, showcasing how FLOTO’s infrastructure supports critical research into internet equity.
Background
Englewood, a neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, faces significant challenges in accessing quality internet services. Despite the presence of dark fiber infrastructure, residents and businesses struggle to obtain reliable, high-speed internet connections. This digital inequity impacts economic growth, education, and overall community development.
Engagement Process
Our collaboration with the GECC began over 18 months ago when we met Felicia Statton-Young, the Executive Director. Initial discussions revealed a critical issue: major internet service providers were reluctant to activate existing fiber infrastructure without guaranteed subscriptions at full price from residents.
To address this challenge, the FLOTO team:
– Attended multiple GECC meetings to understand local business needs
– Delivered a presentation on internet equity and FLOTO’s capabilities
– Organized a speedtester giveaway for small business owners
FLOTO’s Role
FLOTO’s infrastructure plays a crucial role in this initiative by:
– Providing speedtester devices to measure current internet service quality
– Enabling remote management and data collection from deployed devices
– Facilitating the analysis of internet performance data to support advocacy efforts
Key Findings
Our engagement with the GECC has highlighted several important insights:
– The critical impact of poor-quality internet on small businesses and community development
– The need for accurate, localized data to advocate for better services
– The importance of community partnerships in addressing digital equity issues
Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans
As we continue our collaboration with the GECC, we are:
– Expanding the deployment of FLOTO devices in Englewood
– Analyzing collected data to build a comprehensive picture of internet quality in the area
– Working with community partners to advocate for improved internet infrastructure and services
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates how FLOTO’s technology, combined with community engagement, can shed light on digital inequities and support efforts to improve internet access. By providing tangible data and resources, we aim to empower communities like Englewood to advocate for the quality internet services they deserve.
Our ongoing work with the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce underscores FLOTO’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering connected, thriving communities through innovative research and community partnerships.