Verizon and LA Unified partner to provide connectivity to California families

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon and the Los Angeles Unified School District have expanded their partnership to improve digital access for families in California, addressing the 9.6% of households without internet. This initiative provides mobile broadband and voice service plans to eligible families, initially launched during the pandemic for distance learning. The expansion also supports public libraries under the same contract terms, enhancing resources for education and job retraining. Verizon's commitment aims to bridge the digital divide across California, ensuring reliable internet for those in need.

Positive

• Expanded partnership with Los Angeles Unified to provide mobile broadband and voice services.
• Addresses the digital divide impacting 1.25 million households in California.
• Supports job retraining and education through increased internet access.

Negative

• None.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Throughout the pandemic, a number of everyday activities—from distance learning to job retraining—have required an internet connection, and yet 9.6%, or 1.25 million households in California remain unconnected¹.

To help narrow the digital divide in California and address the need for reliable internet access, Verizon and the Los Angeles Unified School District have expanded their existing partnership to provide eligible families with access to mobile broadband plans, voice service plans, and equipment through state, local, or non-profit organizations in California.

Los Angeles Unified first partnered with Verizon on its distance learning program in the early days of nationwide COVID-19-related school closures in March, 2020. The landmark agreement enabled Los Angeles Unified to provide internet access to students whose families could not otherwise afford it.

Through this new amendment to the original agreement, Los Angeles Unified became the latest partner in Verizon’s new national digital inclusion program, which includes the Georgia Department of Education and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The program consists of discounted agreements that support economic and social development by enabling state and local government agencies, school districts or non-profit organizations to provide affordable internet access to low income families and individuals.

The Los Angeles Unified amendment also serves to expand the existing distance learning program to enable public libraries to benefit from the same contract terms as California K-12 schools.

“Internet access has become an essential learning tool for students and their families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Los Angeles Unified Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly. “Last year Los Angeles Unified created the original pathway to connect students with our school community, and we’re thrilled that families throughout California will be able to access even greater affordable internet in partnership with Verizon.”

“This new phase of our landmark partnership with Los Angeles Unified extends our remote learning program to include other populations in California that need internet access to continue their education, retrain for a job or complete other critical tasks online,” said Jennifer Chronis, Senior Vice President, Verizon Public Sector. “This amendment to our long-standing partnership with Los Angeles Unified is the next step in our commitment to ensure that everyone who needs access to a reliable connection in California—and across the nation—has the ability to access it.”

California state and local government agencies, school districts and non-profit organizations that are interested in benefiting from the Verizon digital inclusion or distance learning programs can visit https://info.public.solution.verizon.com/Contact-Me.html for more information.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contacts:
Krys Card Grondorf
krys.grondorf@verizon.com
562-370-0331

Geoffrey Basye
geoffrey.basye@verizon.com
202-748-1882

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¹ Getting more Californians online is the catalyst to crush the wall of poverty -- California Emerging Technology Fund and University of Southern California -- March 30, 2021

FAQ

What is the purpose of Verizon's partnership with Los Angeles Unified?

The partnership aims to provide mobile broadband and voice service plans to eligible families in California, addressing the digital divide.

How many households in California lack internet access?

Approximately 1.25 million households, or 9.6%, in California remain unconnected.

When did Verizon first partner with Los Angeles Unified?

The partnership began in March 2020 during the early days of COVID-19-related school closures.

What benefits does the new amendment to the agreement provide?

It extends internet access support to public libraries and offers similar contract terms to K-12 schools.

What is Verizon's revenue from 2020?

Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020.