Connected Nation partners with technology leaders to apply for broadband stimulus funds to connect more U.S. households

Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) August 13, 2009 -- Connected Nation, a national nonprofit, is joining with technology stalwarts Intel, Fujitsu, Velocity Micro, and ZT Systems to establish Every Citizen OnlineSM, a public-private partnership program to enable computer ownership and broadband use in low-income and unconnected homes. The program will help vulnerable populations overcome top barriers to adoption: broadband awareness and training, computer ownership, and broadband affordability. In order to impact the most Americans, the partnership has submitted an application for Every Citizen OnlineSM to take advantage of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funding set aside for Sustainable Broadband Adoption as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

"Connected Nation is honored and excited to partner with technology leaders to directly impact the lives of Americans who previously could not afford a broadband-connected computer in their homes," states Brian Mefford, Connected Nation's chairman and CEO. "Our work allows us to see first hand the value of connected computers in homes. Broadband opens a world of opportunities related to jobs, education, health care, and government services..."