Equitable Internet Initiative (EII)

If you’re in Highland Park, Hamtramck, or North End, you may be eligible for free internet. Click the link below to sign up and find out more.


See Reverend Joan Ross discussing the Equitable Internet Initiative and the Digital Divide in Vice President Harris’ Listening Session


The Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) accelerates outreach, training and wireless high-speed Internet sharing in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck neighborhoods.

The program’s mission is to ensure that more residents have the ability to leverage online access and digital technology for social and economic development.

Currently, the EII program operates in three communities:

Our NEWCC/Equitable Internet Initiative serves families in North End, Highland Park, and Hamtramck Michigan. There are currently over 500 households and 14 businesses connected to our service.

Press

Some Detroiters could be paying exponentially more than neighbors for same internet
WXYZ
October 31, 2022

Affordable and Accessible Broadband for All- Even those who are aging
Connected Nation
May 9, 2022

Detroit community organizations installing neighborhood WiFi
WXYZ
November 17, 2021

Knight Foundation Makes Technological Investment for North End Residents
Michigan Chronicle
November 8, 2021

$750,000 Knight Foundation grant to expand pilot Wi-Fi initiative in Detroit’s North End
CRAIN’S Detroit Business
October 29, 2021

A Detroit Nonprofit Wants to Complete Hamtramck’s Internet Access
The Yemeni American
June 1, 2021

Rapid Response to COVID-19: One Year Later
Enterprise Community
May 13, 2021

So many people don’t have internet — and it’s not their fault
Mashable
April 6, 2021

Lack of high-speed internet access at home an issue for online, hybrid schooling models
WXYZ
July 13, 2020

Ignored By Big Telecom, Detroit’s Marginalized Communities Are Building Their Own Internet
Vice Motherboard
November 16, 2017

Case Study: Growing Digital Equity
New School

Check out this video to learn more about our EII:

Community Impact

500+ Households Wired

Providing Internet access in the North End, Highland Park, and Hamtramck

3,000 Served

Monthly providing emergency food and services to families in 48202, 48203 & 48211

41.5+ metric tons of carbon offset

Our solar power work is offsetting impact on our environment each year

300,000+ Listeners

Potential radio audience listeners on air and online

Young girl holding flower toy that lights up