Rural America's Digital Divide: A New Report Offers a Roadmap for Sustainable Computer Ownership

A new report by Digitunity and AT&T provides a roadmap for increasing computer ownership and digital skills in rural America. The report, based on a 15-month initiative in Mississippi and Arizona, offers 20 actionable takeaways, including building partnerships with local organizations, creating sustainable systems for computer donation and deployment, and leveraging field catalyst organizations to connect rural communities with national resources. The report aims to shape and strengthen systems to make computer ownership possible for everyone, regardless of location.

A new report by Digitunity and AT&T offers a comprehensive roadmap for increasing computer ownership and digital skills in rural communities across the United States. The report, titled "Supportive and Sustainable Computer Ownership Ecosystems for Rural America: Key Takeaways and Actionable Strategies," is the culmination of a 15-month initiative in Mississippi and Arizona.

The report highlights the significant digital divide in rural America, where one in seven households lacks access to a large-screen computer. This lack of access limits opportunities for education, employment, healthcare, and community engagement. The report identifies unique barriers faced by rural communities, such as limited local resources for device supply, refurbishment, and deployment.

The report provides 20 actionable takeaways to address these challenges, including building partnerships with trusted local organizations, creating sustainable systems for computer donation and deployment, formalizing device distribution practices, and leveraging field catalyst organizations to connect rural communities with national partners, donors, and resources.

Case studies from Mississippi and Arizona demonstrate the effectiveness of these strategies. The initiative led to the deployment of hundreds of computers, digital skills workshops, and the development of tools and templates now available to rural communities nationwide.

The collaboration involved Digitunity, AT&T, Oklahoma State University, Chicanos Por La Causa, Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology (AZStRUT), and the Mississippi Broadband Association, among other partners. The initiative's success underscores the importance of collective efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that computer ownership is possible for everyone, regardless of location.

Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization, has been engaged in this work for over 40 years, shaping and strengthening systems to address computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide. The report is available for download and serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders seeking to expand digital opportunities in rural America.

References:
[1] https://www.newswire.com/news/new-report-offers-roadmap-for-building-sustainable-computer-ownership-22621922
[2] https://techafricanews.com/2025/08/05/world-bank-joins-mastercard-and-afdb-to-co-chair-major-african-digital-initiative/