Connecting Our Communities
We are committed to working with non-profits and those that provide access or services to low-income or underserved members of the community by helping connect diverse people and communities with broadband access. While the Internet has become a necessity to navigate society today, many members of our community are being left behind as the majority of services and communications have moved online. Without reliable Internet access and digital equity, far too many people are not afforded the same opportunities as those who do have access to Internet connectivity.
By partnering with public, private, and non-profit organizations that provide services to low-income or undeserved communities, we are able to help ensure that more people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and background, have the opportunity to access the Internet.
Partnering with Public, Private, and Non-profit Organizations for Digital Equity
In partnership with the City of Tacoma, Lightcurve offers complimentary Internet service to qualifying agencies in our Tacoma and surrounding service area.
Our public-private partnership with the City of Tacoma provides a program that helps close the gap of digital equity access. Lightcurve’s complimentary Internet service provides public, private, and non-profit organizations the tools they need to support their initiatives and unlock opportunities for diverse members of communities who might otherwise not have access to affordable connectivity options. With the help of Lightcurve, public, private, and non-profit organizations that provide services to low-income or underserved members of the community can empower those they serve and help more people in need of broadband access.
Application Process
We use an annual application and review process to identify public, private, and non-profit organizations that best meet our program criteria. We base our decisions on several factors including meeting community equity index goals, and overall benefit to the community.
Applying does not guarantee acceptance to the Digital Equity Partnership program. The application process opens annually April 1 and closes May 31. Once the application is submitted, applicants that qualify for eligibility will be notified on or before May 31 of each year with installation to take place within 30 days.
Applicants will receive 12 months of complimentary internet service (up to 1 Gig) and will be required to sign a contract. At the end of the contract, all complimentary service will be charged at the current regular retail rate. Current applicant recipients are eligible to apply each 12 month period, and all applications will be evaluated equally based on the criteria set forth above. By submitting an application, the applicant verifies they are authorized to sign a contract and understands the obligation to pay for or cancel services at the end of the program term. Applicant recipients will be published publicly each year.
Application closes May 31, 2024, at 5:00pm.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Location is a public or commercial site that provides access and/or services to low-income or underserved members of the community.
- Location should allow for 24 hour access or as close to such where security at the location allows.
- Site is a low-income Multifamily property with service to multiple residents or to a common area accessible to all residents.
- Public Transportation Hubs such as Bus, Light Rail and Train Depots.
- Public Parks or Community Centers that fall within underserved communities as qualified by the Pierce County Equity Index.
- Education and Service facilities that offer assistance to Low Income residents.
- Homeless Care Facility Transitional Housing facility that provides single/family assistance to parents with school age children.
- Emphasis will be given to sites that fall within the underserved communities as qualified by the Equity Index that can be found by clicking here.
Additional Partnership Requirements:
- Site management acknowledges that this is a wired internet service up to 1 Gig and any wireless connectivity and network management is the responsibility of the agency personnel.
- Site management provides all end user support.
- Site management acknowledges compliance with Lightcurve’s published Internet Acceptable Use policy and can provide the authorized contact to address and correct all abuse complaints.
