Comcast Convenes Conversation on Digital Opportunity at Baltimore’s New Psalmist Baptist Church

On April 8, Comcast hosted a connectivity and policy partner summit in Baltimore at the New Psalmist Baptist Church to discuss approaches to advance digital access, opportunity and economic mobility for residents and businesses in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Carroll County. The discussion brought together government, education and community leaders, along with local partners to facilitate regional collaboration; the topics focused on best practices for working with digital navigators, strategies for expanding digital adoption, and potential changes needed in public policy.

“I want to thank Comcast and New Psalmist Baptist Church for convening this vital discussion and bringing together voices from across our region to share resources, insights and strategies to drive digital access and adoption in our local communities,” said Kenya Asli, Director of the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, a division of the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology.

Added Reverend Alfred Bailey II, Minister of Missions and Outreach for New Psalmist Baptist Church, “Community is at the core of New Psalmist and we are honored to partner with Comcast to bring together local leaders to discuss how we can work together to improve the lives of all community members.”

Broderick Johnson, Comcast Executive Vice President of Digital Equity and Executive Vice President of Public Policy, spoke about the importance of public-private partnerships and noted, “Internet access alone is not enough – people need the skills to confidently engage in and succeed in today’s increasingly digital world, and digital navigators on the ground play a crucial role.”

WHY IT MATTERS

We know from recent research published by the Urban Institute that when a community achieves full digital inclusion, everyone benefits. 

GO DEEPER

Since 2021, Comcast has invested more than $60 million in community-based digital navigator programs through Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to advance digital opportunity. And over the past decade, Comcast has invested $80 billion to expand and improve its network, deploying fast, reliable service to millions of homes and businesses across the country.

Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital opportunity in the communities it serves. Over the past three years, the company has provided more than $26 million in cash and in-kind contributions to more than 180 non-profits across Maryland. This investment includes programs such as Internet Essentials, Lift Zones and Digital Navigators. Additionally, Comcast has launched 29 Lift Zones across Maryland to provide free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training at local community centers to promote digital learning.  

Throughout Maryland, Comcast provides Internet, mobile, and entertainment from Xfinity to residents, along with connectivity, networking, cybersecurity, mobile, and managed solutions from Comcast Business to area businesses.