Expand / Collapse search
☰

Free high-speed internet, resources available at 8 Detroit tech hubs

By and Nour Rahal
Published  February 12, 2024 7:38pm EST
Detroit
FOX 2 Detroit

Detroit creates 8 tech hubs: Free internet, devices

Residents can use the hubs to manage banking information, do homework, and even apply for jobs.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - With many Detroit residents lacking access to high-speed internet and digital resources, officials unveiled eight new technology hubs throughout the city – filling in the major gap.

"With the (COVID-19) pandemic, we realized more and more that we must have equitable, fast, high speed internet," said Todd Bettison, Detroit's deputy mayor.

On Monday, the community joined Detroit officials to celebrate the new Certified Technology Hubs that will provide residents with free fast Wi-Fi, devices, basic digital literacy training software, tech support, and more.

"Certified Tech Hubs – where it’s reliable, and you know that the equipment works, you know the internet is fast, and you know… it’s a computerized training course that will teach you how to work it," Bettison said.

Residents can use the hubs to manage banking information, do homework, and even apply for jobs.

According to data from the 2023 Census, about 25% of Detroiters are still without internet access.

"We have 220,000 residents that are at or below poverty," said Christine Burkette, director of the Office of Digital Equity & Inclusion in Detroit. "Understanding the needs of our community starts with the socioeconomic disadvantages, which directly related to gaps that we see that's called the ‘digital divide.’"

Through its acclaimed Lift Zone program Comcast is playing a significant role in bridging the digital gap in Detroit. Lift Zone is part of Project Up – a $1B initiative by Comcast aimed at connecting individuals to the internet and providing digital skills training in underserved communities.

All eight tech hubs are now open to public, according to city officials. Six more hubs are underway.

Detroit has launched a new interactive map on the city’s Office of Digital Equity & Inclusion website. Users can use the map to find which of the eight hubs best meets their needs.

The current Certified Technology Hub list in Detroit:

  • The Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan: 16500 Tireman Ave.
  • Adams Butzel Recreation Center: 10500 Lyndon St.
  • Comcast Lift Zone at SAY Detroit Play Center: 19320 Van Dyke Ave.
  • Stoudamire Wellness Center at Eastside Community Network: 4401 Conner St.
  • Comcast Lift Zone at the Detroit Housing Commission Envision Center: 1047 E. Canfield St.
  • Roberto Clemente Recreation Center: 2631 Bagley St.
  • Patton Recreation Center: 2301 Woodmere St.
  • Detroit Association of Black Organizations: 12048 Grand River Ave.