Project OVERCOME
At least 17 million U.S. residents lack the basic Internet access necessary for remote work, online learning, and telemedicine. While ensuring greater connectivity has always been important, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have turned a desire to deliver broadband to everyone into a critical priority for the nation. The goal of Project OVERCOME is to select, launch, and oversee multiple proof-of-concept efforts to deploy novel broadband technology solutions to both rural and urban underserved communities.
Project OVERCOME was conceived of and funded by the National Science Foundation. Schmidt Futures joined as a financial and strategic partner in March of 2021.
Deployment Spotlight
Detroit, Michigan
A broad coalition of public and private entities came together to deploy a combination of fiber and mixed wireless technology pilot in an effort to connect an underserved Detroit neighborhood. The one-year project aims to create a long-term sustainable infrastructure for digital services. In addition to high-speed and low-cost Internet connection, a local group known as ‘Digital Stewards‘ will demystify technology through the training of participating residents.
This Project OVERCOME pilot is being led by the Detroit Community Technology Project (DCTP) and supported by a number of other organizations including Grace in Action Collectives, Ford Foundation, Novo Foundation, Detroit Digital Justice Coalition, Southwest Housing Solutions, and others. Michigan’s largest fiber provider, 123NET, is contributing to site planning, permitting, fiber installation, testing, and other equipment for the project.
Read about the lessons learned and discovered best practices by the Project OVERCOME teams in the Smart Community Sparks blog series.
"Thank you for all the work you have done over the past nine years to help guide communities into the connected future." Jessica Rosenworcel, Acting Chairwoman, FCC
Interested in learning more or partnering with us on Project OVERCOME? Get in touch.
