EquiTect: A New Approach to Bridging the Digital Divide for Students
EquiTect is a social enterprise aiming to provide equitable internet connectivity for students worldwide. The initiative focuses on utilizing white space technology and forming partnerships with internet service providers to address the lack of accessible and reliable internet access for disadvantaged students. With a philanthropic approach, EquiTect plans to hold fundraisers and collaborate with companies to ensure sustainability and broad impact. Explore how EquiTect is reshaping the landscape of digital connectivity for underserved communities.
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Presentation Transcript
EquiTect: A New Way To Equitably Connect Dhruv, Connor, Lily, Justin
1,300,000,00 Number of children without internet access globally 0
PRIMARY CONCERNS LACK OF ACCESSIBLE CONNECTION LACK OF INTERNET ACCESS LACK OF FAST AND RELIABLE CONNECTION Internet connections are oftentimes financially inaccessible, costing thousands a year Some locations need a connection in general, rural areas specifically do not always have a stable or usable connection available If people do have access to the internet, these connections are oftentimes weak and lackluster
STATISTICS Percent of students in households with no internet or computer access by income Percent of students in households with no internet or computer access by race
THE IDEA PHILANTHROPY WHITE SPACE TECHNOLOGY Once we establish ourselves properly we plan to hold fundraisers for schools or areas that could not otherwise afford our product/services. We plan to pursue partnerships with internet service providers as well as other companies who specialize in white space connectivity. SOCIAL ENTERPRISE We plan to balance both our business goals and our social ones.
WHITE SPACE White space is essential the radio band that lays in between the unused frequencies normally used by Television providers. These frequencies are long range, stable, and also almost never obstructed as there is very little activity happening in those frequencies.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE MiFi EquiTect Accessibility Reliability Range Speed Battery Shareability
TARGET MARKET DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS - NATIONAL DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS - MIDWEST DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS - INTERNATIONAL
Sustainability Partnerships: - Partnerships with large companies who have already been implementing the idea in creative ways improves sustainability of our company South Bend, Indiana is deploying buses as wifi hotspots New York City distributing 300,000 Apple iPads to students Companies like Sprint and T-Mobile partner with schools to give students internet access - - - COVID is a long term issue and online learning will still be a staple in life COVID impacted other third world countries more strongly than the US Even after students return to in person learning, machines/computers and internet access now plays a greater role in our lives The need for access to the internet and a computer will only grow larger for all parts of society, not just students
GROWTH STRATEGY ADULT REMOTE WORKERS SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY OPTIMIZING OUR DEVICES
PRICING Network Setup $3000-4000 Client-Side devices Gr fico $80-$100 Network Maintenance Host-Side devices $300-$400 Varies significantly by location
Impact Hits multiple aspects of online learning problems: lack of internet access and lack of computers Reduces income inequality and provides crucial opportunities for for underprivileged students. Aids students in adapting to online learning Equips schools in the present and future Normalizes distance learning and streamlines compliancy.
THANKS! Feel free to ask questions! dpatel@imsa.edu lsong@imsa.edu ccraddock@imsa.edu jevans1@imsa.edu
RESOURCES PHOTOS https://usafacts.org/articles/internet-access-students-at-home/ https://www.uis.edu/ion/resources/tutorials/online-education-overview/strengths-and-weaknesses/ https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/guides/what-is-mifi-mobile-broadband/ http://wififorward.org/2020/06/25/tv-white-spaces-may-be-key-to-connecting-millions-of-americans-heres-how/
