AT&T to launch AccessAll
AT&T and its philanthropic arm AT&T Foundation announced this week the launch of a three-year $100 million signature program called "AccessAll."
This will be the "nation's largest program designed to provide in-home Internet and technology access to benefit low-income families and underserved communities," said AT&T, which is currently seeking a merger with BellSouth and has subsequently received criticism by smaller telecom companies over the course of action.
According to the company, the program will provide technology packages combining Internet access, computer equipment, training and content to some 50,000 families via a collaboration with low-income housing providers including One Economy Corporation and Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
In addition, if the merger closes this year, AT&T has said it plans to increase spending with minority-, women- and disabled-veteran-owned businesses by $250 million in the coming year, confirmed by Chief Executive Officer Edward E. Witacre at the 35th Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizen Education Fund Conference in Chicago Wednesday.
"We are committed to making affordable technology available to as many homes as possible, and AT&T AccessAll will make a positive impact on underserved communities for many years to come," Whitacre said. "We will continue to invest in next-generation technologies and in programs that help people of all backgrounds benefit from the opportunities created by technology."
Other partners contributing in the program include Dell, Siemens, Intel and the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps*VISTA).
Copyright 2006 by United Press International