About the Program
At Lightcurve, we’re committed to bringing high-speed internet access to everyone. We’ve partnered with the City of Tacoma for the Digital Equity Partnership, which grants free internet to qualifying agencies in Tacoma and nearby areas.
We’re seeking out organizations that provide access or services to low-income or underserved members of the community to help connect these groups with broadband access. Recipients will receive 12 months of complimentary internet service.
Connecting Our Communities
The internet has become a necessity to navigate society, but many members of our community are being left behind as the world moves 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.
Our goal is to help ensure that more people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and background, can access the internet. Lightcurve’s Digital Equity Partnership provides public, private, and non-profit organizations with the tools they need to support their initiatives. It unlocks opportunities for diverse members of communities who might otherwise not have access to affordable connectivity options.
Apply today and join us in bridging the digital divide and empowering your community!
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, 2025, 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.
