I am a student at North Carolina A&T State University, a university prominently sponsored by AT&T. Despite this, in this digital age, the irony is palatable — I cannot access AT&T's high-speed fiber optic network, accessible at my university, but not in my neighborhood, which is located less than a mile away from the campus, and less than two miles away from Downtown Greensboro. In your modest dwelling, connectivity almost seems a luxury we cannot afford.

Spectrum is currently the only viable option for internet connectivity in our minority and low-income neighborhoods. But shouldn't internet access be a basic right? This is not merely about entertainment; it is about accessing online resources for education, remote work opportunities, healthcare services, and staying connected with the world.

The sad reality is, that this issue is not unique to Greensboro, NC. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 21 million Americans lack high-speed internet access; the vast majority of them are in rural areas or are marginalized communities in urban settings (FCC, 2020). The installation of fiber optic connections would not only improve internet reliability and speed but also contribute to neighborhood development and increase opportunities for residents.

It's time to bridge the digital divide in Greensboro. I ask the Greensboro City Council and telecommunications companies, including AT&T, to prioritize providing fiber optic internet access to minority and low-income neighborhoods. Every citizen deserves reliable, high-speed internet access, not just those who can afford it.

Join us in pushing for digital equality. Sign this petition today.