High-speed Internet was already essential to modern American life even before the pandemic’s shift to Zoom meetings and remote classes. But not everyone has a fast hookup: at least 20 million people in the U.S. do not have access to basic broadband Internet. In April, AT&T CEO John Stankey announced a $2 billion pledge to help bridge the divide by offering more affordable broadband and expanding discounted wireless solutions to schools. The announcement builds upon a move from March of last year, when AT&T temporarily removed data caps for household Internet.
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