ROANEnet Receives Funding from Comcast for Local Lift Zone Initiative
(Harriman, Tenn.) November 1, 2021 — ROANEnet announced this week that it has received $2,500 from Comcast to provide education and digital literacy classes at their Comcast Wifi-powered “Lift Zone.”
Earlier this year ROANEnet launched the first Comcast “Lift Zone” community center in Roane County. A Lift Zone offers access to free unlimited high-speed internet and computers for those who, are without high-speed Internet at their home location, have limited data plans to do research, telemedicine, homework, streaming media, or for those who just want another safe place in which to connect with others.
“In 2020, Comcast announced a multiyear program to launch more than 1,000 WiFi-connected ‘Lift Zones’ in community centers nationwide as part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet,” said Terry Vo, External Affairs, Comcast. “Lift Zones are a great educational resource for the community.”
“This Kingston Lift Zone is a collaborative project with Comcast and Morrison Hill Christian Church,” said Dayle Beyer, Executive Director of the non-profit ROANEnet. “the funding will be used to provide digital literacy trainers at the Lift Zone to support the needs of senior citizens, disabled persons, and students.”
Located at the Morrison Hill Christian Church campus at 106 Morrison Hill Circle in Kingston, the Lift Zone provides not only free high-speed internet connectivity, but also access to hundreds of free educational and digital skills content such as internet basics, online safety and security, knowledge content, and building new skills.
“The Lift Zone helps families and site coordinators navigate online learning and is monitored by a security content filter blocking access to dangerous and inappropriate websites,” Beyer said
ROANEnet has donated 10 refurbished computers for use at the Lift Zone. Morrison Hill Christian Church is hosting and has volunteers staffing the program, and Comcast is providing the internet connection and online resources.
For more information go to https://roanenet.org/lift-zone-provides-internet-connectivity/ and contact LiftZone@roanenet.org for questions on hours and to volunteer.
ROANEnet (roanenet.org) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) advocate for affordable, robust, and reliable high-speed internet access, equitable availability of digital devices, and training required to enhance the quality of life within Roane County, TN.