Colorado Springs, Colo. August 16, 2023 — Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is partnering with Comcast to bring Comcast Lift Zone connectivity centers to four Library locations: Library 21c, as well as Penrose, East, and Ruth Holley libraries. Comcast Lift Zones provide an additional free Wi-Fi network that will increase the number of Internet users the Library can support at once without compromising quality of service. Access to faster Wi-Fi supports PPLD’s 2023 – 2025 strategic plan to connect people to resources and services and provide equitable access to physical and virtual spaces in safe and inclusive environments. These additional networks are available now at all four locations.
Users will be able to access the Lift Zone Wi-Fi network by opening their device’s Wi-Fi settings, selecting the PPLD Lift Zone network, and accepting the terms & conditions when prompted.
Comcast started Lift Zones as part of its ongoing commitment to connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy (called digital equity). The COVID-19 pandemic revealed disparities in digital equity, and Comcast responded by bringing Lift Zones to education and community centers. Comcast selected PPLD’s libraries to be four of only seven libraries in Colorado.
“Access to high-speed internet and digital skills training is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, making connectivity more important than ever. We are honored to partner with Pikes Peak Library District to ensure more people in the Colorado Springs area have access to fast, reliable, and secure connectivity year-round,” said J.D. Keller, Sr. Vice President, Comcast Mountain West Region. “From doing homework, searching for jobs, accessing healthcare services and so much more, partnerships like the one with Pikes Peak Library District are important to make sustainable progress to advancing economic mobility and promoting digital equity in our communities.”
In 2021, Comcast reached out to Lance James, chief development officer and foundation executive officer of the PPLD Foundation to discuss adding Lift Zones to PPLD locations. Because much of the IT equipment in public libraries is federally funded, service providers like Comcast are not usually permitted to install systems in these institutions. James and Comcast successfully collaborated on writing a letter to the Federal Communications Commission to request a waiver that would allow the Lift Zones to be installed.
"It was a complicated process, but we made it happen,” James said of the project. “Lift Zones at these libraries will be valuable assets for our whole community, especially for people who don’t have access to Wi-Fi at home. It will be easier to do things like search and apply for jobs, download documents for work and school, meet virtually, collaborate virtually on large creative projects, or enjoy leisure activities like downloading games or streaming shows.”
The installation of Lift Zones in these four libraries is one of several digital equity projects PPLD is currently working on. Two other projects in the works involve expanding access to digital resources outside of operating hours. The Library plans to expand its existing Wi-Fi network a short distance outside of the building at Cheyenne Mountain, Ruth Holley, Penrose, and Sand Creek libraries, which will provide 24/7 access to Wi-Fi resources. They are also planning to install holds lockers at those four locations that will allow patrons to pick up items they put on hold outside of operating hours. Both projects are made possible with funds awarded to PPLD through the City of Colorado Springs Digital Equity Grant Program. The Library is also working on a project to make a selection of Chromebooks available for patrons to check out and take outside of the library. There is no release date set for these digital equity projects.
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Pikes Peak Library District
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) provides everyone with access to resources and opportunities so people can thrive and connect. The Library cultivates spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities via 16 facilities, mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources. It is an internationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of nearly 700,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colo. Learn more at ppld.org.
Comcast – internet Essentials
For over a decade, Comcast has been on the forefront of closing the digital divide. The Internet Essentials program is the largest and most successful broadband adoption initiative in the industry. Since 2011, Comcast has connected more than 600,000 Coloradans through Internet Essentials, many for the first time.