Last Update โ January 2025: In this update, we refreshed all digital access data in the roadmap and updated goals and projects.
We believe that digital access and skills are essential to thrive in the modern world. Whether looking for a job, staying connected, learning something new, or finding a favorite song or hobby, residents can gain so much from being able to access and use the internet.
Therefore, we are working to make South Bend a community where all residents have the access and understanding they need to get online. Our driving vision for this work is the pursuit of digital equity.
Digital Equity in South Bend
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), of which South Bend is a proud member, defines digital equity as
โa condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.โ
To achieve digital equity, we promote digital inclusion โ the activities needed to ensure that everyone has the resources and tools to get online. At the City, we focus on three areas of digital inclusion:
- Ensuring residents have access to an affordable, reliable internet connection
- Providing residents with affordable, high-quality devices to get online
- Empowering residents with the digital skills and literacy necessary to maximize digital resources.
If South Bend is to achieve digital equity, we must continue to make progress in these areas. Looking at rates of broadband (high speed internet) adoption, device ownership, and fiber availability (the fastest type of internet), we fall behind some our peer cities (cities similar to us in terms of their region, size, economy, etc.). These gaps are closing, but there is still significant work to do.
We are building on positive momentum in our city; since 2015, we have made significant strides in device and broadband access. Through the goals and efforts outlined in this roadmap, we will continue this work to connect all residents in South Bend.
Note: In 2022, the FCC released the National Broadband Map, an improved source for internet deployment data. Moving forward from 2022, we will use Broadband Map data in place of Form 477 data, which often provided an overestimate of residents served by a fiber provider.
This Roadmap
In this roadmap, we focus on these three areas of digital inclusion: connectivity, devices, and digital skills.
For each area, we review our current state in South Bend and outline a collection of goals, commitments, ongoing projects, and resources aimed at bridging the digital divide. These goals and resources have been shaped by conversations with residents and community partners, particularly members of the South Bend Connectivity Coalition.
Especially as the federal government begins to spend $65 billion in funding for digital access, we are eager to engage residents in our strategic vision for digital equity in South Bend while promoting new resources residents can take advantage of.
If you are interested in learning more about our work or sharing your thoughts for a more fully connected community, please contact connectivity@southbendin.gov.
Please note that this roadmap will be updated regularly to reflect new goals, accomplishments, and resources.
Resident Resources
Free and Low Cost Internet
South Bend Open Wi-Fi
South Bend Open Wi-Fi
- The Cityโs free public network is available at locations throughout town.
- Connect to Open Wi-Fi.
St. Joe County Public Library
St. Joe County Public Library
- All 9 locations in South Bend offer free public internet.
- Find a branch near you.
CLICK Sites
CLICK Sites
- High speed internet is available at CLICK sites, located at the Charles Black and Dream Centers.
- Learn more and find a site.
Citywide Classroom
Citywide Classroom
- Eligible South Bend Community School Corporation students and families can receive internet connections at no cost to them through Citywide Classroom.
- Visit Citywide Classroom.
Low Cost Internet Plans
Low Cost Internet Plans
- Some internet service providers offer discounted plans for households with lower incomes.
- The National Digital Inclusion Allianceโs Honor Role of Low-Cost Plans provides details on available plansโ cost and performance.
- EveryoneOnโs Low Cost Offers tool can show you plans you may be eligible for based on your location, income, and other criteria.
Digital Skills Training
South Bend Technology Resource Center
South Bend Technology Resource Center
- The TRC hosts digital and data skills trainings to democratize access to technology.
- See upcoming TRC events.
St. Joe County Public Library
St. Joe County Public Library
- The library offers digital assistance and is partners with community organizations to offer digital skills training programs.
- Find a branch near you.
Bendable South Bend
Bendable South Bend
- Bendable provides free courses on technology basics and over 100 additional topics from spreadsheets to safe online practices.
- Explore Bendable.
South Bend Code School
South Bend Code School
- South Bend Code School offers training to young and adult learners on coding, applied digital skills, and careers in STEM. Scholarships are available with City support.
- Learn more about Code School.
Device Access
St. Joe County Public Library
St. Joe County Public Library
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The library offers residents free use of computers, printers, tablets, and many other devices and software.
- Explore Library Resources.
CLICK Sites
CLICK Sites
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Each CLICK site provides free devices for public use with high-speed internet connectivity.
- Read more on CLICK sites.
Low Cost Device Programs
Low Cost Device Programs
- Nonprofit organizations like PCs for People and Human I-T offer low cost refurbished devices to eligible households.
- EveryoneOnโs Low Cost Offers tool can help identify a low cost device program that serves you.
Connectivity
Learn more about:
โข South Bendโs growing Open Wi-Fi network
โข Our work to improve internet infrastructure
โข How weโre partnering to connect students
Devices
Learn more about:
โข City partners providing public access devices
โข Initiatives weโre exploring to distribute devices to residents
Digital Skills
Learn more about:
โข Local partners providing innovative and inclusive digital trainings
โข How weโre building digital skills at our Technology Resource Center