About Us
Since 2019, ROANEnet (roanenet.org), a non-profit 501c3 all-volunteer-run organization, has provided digital skills training, free digital devices and advocated for affordable, robust, and reliable high-speed internet access. We do this to improve the quality of life in East Tennessee through technology.
Who We Serve
- Empowering Low-Income Families: To date, we have donated over 1,000 refurbished computers to help ensure that essential digital tools are accessible to all.
- Aging Gracefully With Technology: Customized digital literacy sessions for seniors offer pathways to staying connected, informed, and engaged with the world.
- Supporting Our Veterans: We offer specialized digital literacy training to veterans, helping them access crucial online benefits and services.
- Accessibility For All: Our programs offer adaptive technology and specialized support to individuals with disabilities.
- Fresh Starts Through Digital Literacy: Our initiatives offer justice-involved individuals essential digital skills for reintegration, lighting the path to a confident and secure future in the digital landscape.
Join Us in Our Mission
At ROANEnet, every individual in East TN deserves the opportunity to be part of the digital world. Our work is more than just providing technology; it’s about opening up a world of possibilities, breaking down barriers, and building a connected, empowered community.
Be a part of this transformative journey. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your digital skills, looking to volunteer, or wish to support our cause, your involvement makes a world of difference. Contact Us to learn how you can help bridge the digital divide in East TN, one connection at a time.
Donate Your Tech
To drop off electronic donations, please review our Donate Tech page for instructions.
Roanenet Digital Lab
ROANEnet Digital Lab serves as a digital literacy and skills training hub, providing access to computers, internet connectivity, and educational resources. Located in Roane County, TN, the Digital Lab offers a safe and welcoming environment where volunteers can learn, explore, and engage with technology.
Hours By Appointment Only
Contact Us to make an appointment to visit
Board of Directors
David Pryor
Board Member
David Pryor, a dedicated and accomplished member of the ROANEnet Board, is a 1967 graduate […] Read More
David Eshoo
Board Member
David Eshoo brings a rich legacy of dedication and service to the ROANEnet Board. His […] Read More
Richard Owens
Board Member
Richard Owens is a proud native of Kingston, Tennessee, where his roots run deep. Born […] Read More
Alan Owings
Board Member
Alan Owings was born and raised in the picturesque town of Rockwood, TN. With a […] Read More
Jill McMaster
Secretary
Jill McMaster has been a Roane County resident since 2001 having retired from both the […] Read More
Heather Glover
Board Member / Program Coordinator
Heather Glover was born and raised in Rockwood, TN, and attended college in Murfreesboro, TN, […] Read More
Gail Becker
Board Member
Gail Becker is President/Director of Proverbs31 Finishing School (https://www.proverbs31finishingschool.org) which reaches out to the women […] Read More
Sally Peterka
Board Member
Sally Peterka embodies a life woven with vibrant experiences across diverse landscapes. Originating from Yankton, South […] Read More
Dina Davies
Board Member
Dina Davies retired from International Business Machines after a 40-year career there. She held various positions […] Read More
Debra Saner
Treasurer
Debra Saner was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she earned her BS in […] Read More
Hugh Willett
Communications Director
Hugh Willett is a native of East Tennessee that has worked as a writer, editor, […] Read More
Dayle Beyer
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Dayle Beyer is a luminary in the realms of project management, agile methodologies, business analysis, […] Read More
Advisory
Lee Garrott
Advisory
A resident of Roane County, Lee came to East Tennessee from Mayfield Kentucky, and Murray […] Read More
Dana Peterka
SCORE Mentor
Dana Peterka worked for 32 years for Union Carbide Corporation. During this period, he had […] Read More
Egon Hillermann
Advisory
Egon Hillermann is a seasoned veteran in the realm of technology advancement, boasting over 40 […] Read More
Tony Beyer
Co-Founder
Tony Beyer epitomizes the fusion of hard work, ingenuity, and community spirit. Born and raised […] Read More
Dina Jackson
Advisory
Dina was raised in Roane County and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville […] Read More
Richard Glover
IT Consultant
Born child #7 in a family of 10 kids to a military family in Japan, […] Read More
Our Alliance Partners
| Patterson’s Home Appliances Harriman, TN | Harriman Utility Board (HUB) Harriman, TN | United Way Roane County Harriman, TN |
| Morrison Hill Christian Church Kingston, TN | Technical support for ROANEnet and its donated computers is provided by Rockwood Samaritan which also provides free computer repair services and ad hoc training to the Roane County community | Tellico Village Computer Users Club (TVCUC) Loudon, TN |
| Roane County Schools Kingston, TN | Proverbs31 Finishing School Harriman, TN | Loudon County Senior Center Loudon, TN |
| KUMC Clothes Closet Kingston, TN | Rial’s Recycling Sweetwater, TN | National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) |
| PCs For People | Digitunity | Tech Goes Home Chattanooga, TN |
| Rockwood Public Library Rockwood, TN | Mid-East Community Action Agency (MECAA) Harriman, TN | Oliver Spring Historical Society, Oliver Springs, TN |
| Luminary Church, Kingston, TN | Oak Ridge Public Libary, Oak Ridge, TN | Crossville Public Library Crossville, TN |
| Rockhouse Ministries Spring City, TN | UT Extension Office Harriman, TN | Harriman Municipal Harriman, TN |
| Comcast Foundations | AT&T Foundations | Volunteer Energy Cooperative (VEC) |
| TNECD |
Community Impact
Digital Inclusion 101
DEFINITIONS
Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes 5 elements: 1) affordable, robust broadband internet service; 2) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; 3) access to digital literacy training; 4) quality technical support; and 5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration. Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional, and structural barriers to access and use technology.
Digital Equity
Digital Equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.
Digital Literacy
NDIA recommends the American Library Association’s definition of Digital Literacy via their Digital Literacy Taskforce: Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.
Broadband Adoption: Rhinesmith, Colin. “Digital Inclusion and Meaningful Broadband Adoption Initiatives.” Evanston, IL: Benton Foundation, January 2016. benton.org/broadband-inclusion-adoption-report
Broadband adoption has traditionally been defined as residential subscribership to high-speed Internet access. But for those in the field working to increase the digital capacity of communities, broadband adoption is daily access to the Internet:
- At speeds, quality, and capacity necessary to accomplish common tasks
- With the digital skills necessary to participate online
- On a personal device and secure convenient network