Event to Explore Loudoun’s Digital Divide
The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development is cosponsoring a community dialog on the economic, educational and social impact of the county’s digital divide. “The Connectivity Challenge” will be held on Tuesday, October 29 at 8 a.m. at George Washington University’s Loudoun campus, located at 20101 Academic Way in Ashburn. The event is hosted by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce; register online by noon October 28.
Blue Ridge District Supervisor Janet Clarke is spearheading the effort to resolve Loudoun’s digital divide. “The primary reason for holding this forum is to bring broadband and wireless service providers up to speed on our county’s connectivity needs,” she explained. “I recognize that many people are struggling with connectivity issues, and I am very hopeful that we can achieve universal connectivity for all of our residents.”
“There is no simple reason for the divide, and there is no simple solution to make it better,” Supervisor Clarke added. “This conversation is the first step in trying to achieve 100 percent connectivity in Loudoun.”
Eastern Loudoun is one of the most connected places in the world, with more than 70 percent of all Internet traffic passing through Loudoun data centers every day. However, fiber and mobile communication remain a challenge in more than half of the county.
“When business owners in western Loudoun can’t process credit card charges and can’t maintain robust e-commerce websites, that’s an economic issue,” says the Acting Director for Loudoun Economic Development Buddy Rizer. “When school children in western Loudoun can’t do homework research online or access web-based learning tools, that makes our school system less competitive. Schools are a key factor businesses consider when weighing the option to move their companies here.”
The event will feature remarks and a panel discussion by educators, elected officials, Internet providers, and mobile solutions providers. Details are available at www.LoudounChamber.org.