Starry Announces Partnership with Ziff Davis and Human-I-T to Provide Access to Affordable Devices

Having access to reliable computing devices has proven to be crucial throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our job prospects, education and access to healthcare rely heavily on our ability to get online from the comfort of our homes. However, according to a 2021 survey from the Pew Research Center, 13% of lower-income households in the United States do not have access to technology at home and 27% can only access the internet from smartphones.

That’s why we are excited to announce our partnership with Ziff Davis, a digital media and internet company and Human-I-T, a national nonprofit focused on increasing access to digital opportunities, to bring low-cost access to computers and tablets to our Starry Connect communities.

Ziff Davis will donate gently-used devices, ranging from laptops to monitors to CPUs, to Human I-T to refurbish for sale. Starry will receive the benefit of the value of the refurbished devices and provide credits to Starry Connect customers to select and purchase the device that best fits their needs and budget through Human-I-T’s shoppable website. It’s a unique partnership that helps reduce e-waste while simultaneously supporting efforts to expand digital access in traditionally underserved communities.

"We believe access to technology is a right, not a privilege,” said AJ Middleton, Senior Vice President of Programs at Human-I-T. “It's what allows people to study remotely, apply for jobs, attend telehealth appointments, connect with distant family, or explore new ideas and perspectives. In order to shrink the digital divide, we make it easy for our partners to do good, so we're delighted to join Ziff Davis and Starry to provide affordable devices through the Starry Connect program.”

Read more about our Ziff Davis and Human-I-T partnership here.
To learn more about Starry Connect and how we support digital access in public and affordable housing visit: 518331.com/connect.