Antwon Alsobrook of A2D On The Digital Divide and Why & How We Should Close It

An Interview With Monica Sanders

Knowledge Is Power: After college, I initially believed that my learning phase was over, and it was all about applying what I had been taught. However, with the rapid evolution of technology and market trends, I am now a firm believer in the necessity of continuous learning.

Digital inequality reinforces existing social disparities, demanding considerable efforts to acknowledge and address this pressing issue. In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders, policymakers, think tanks and experts on this topic to share their insights and stories about “How Companies and Policymakers Are Taking Action and Can Further Contribute to Closing the Digital Divide.” As part of this series, I had the pleasure to interview Antwon Alsobrook — Founder & CEO — A2D, Inc.

Antwon Alsobrook is the Founder and CEO of A2D, Inc., the parent company of eCommunity™ Fiber, dedicated to revolutionizing broadband access to close the digital divide. Raised in a low-income neighborhood on Atlanta’s Eastside, Antwon’s early fascination with electronics evolved into a career in mechanical engineering and, later, into pioneering broadband infrastructure. A2D operates future-proof, community-owned broadband networks that are neutral to service providers and support crucial programs like telehealth and tele-education. Guided by the principle “to whom much is given, much is required,” Antwon ensures his company’s initiatives benefit shareholders and communities, aiming to make high-speed internet universally accessible and affordable. His work has been recognized nationally, including an invitation to the White House, highlighting his significant contributions to digital equity.

eCommunity™ Fiber is more than a network. It’s a game-changer. We aim to bridge the digital divide by ensuring everyone has ubiquitous broadband access. We will accomplish this goal by building open-access fiber networks in communities to A) stimulate broadband competition, B) improve services while lowering cost; and C) provide direct access to e-programs such as telehealth, tele-education, etc. without the Internet.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to ‘get to know you.’ Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?

I grew up on the Eastside of Atlanta in a low-income neighborhood. Although I was fortunate to have both of my parents at home, I experienced the highs and lows of poverty, crime, and other socio-economic challenges. One of the ways I escaped my environment was by tinkering with every type of electronic device I could find.

From disassembling radios, TVs, and electronic toys to helping my father work on the family cars, technology fascinated me. After barely escaping the hardships that plague many inner-city youth, I was able to attend college and pursue a career in mechanical engineering. From there, I ventured into entrepreneurship, which introduced me to the world of telecommunications.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

The book that profoundly influenced my life is the Bible. My journey with it began at age 19, sparked by a simple yet profound question: Did I truly understand the meaning of love? At the time, I found myself at a loss for an answer, propelling me to seek wisdom within the Bible’s pages. This quest led me to explore various passages, but it was Matthew 13:44 that truly captivated my heart and mind.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then, in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

The depth and simplicity of this message inspired a significant transformation in me. It made me reevaluate my priorities and aspirations, compelling me to strive to become my best version. The Bible, through this passage and many others, has guided me in understanding the depths of love, faith, and sacrifice, reshaping my life and my perspective on the world.

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?

One of my guiding principles comes from a powerful life lesson quote, “To whom much is given, much is required.” This quote has become a cornerstone of my personal and professional ethos, constantly reminding me of the responsibility that accompanies privilege and success. As the founder and CEO, I’ve integrated this belief into the very mission of our company, ensuring that our innovations and strategies benefit both our shareholders and the communities and individuals we serve.

This quote has particularly resonated with me during decision-making and strategy formulation. It reminds me that leadership is about driving profitability and making impactful contributions to society. For instance, when faced with choices that could favor short-term gains at the expense of long-term value for our community, this quote has guided me to prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. It underscores our collective duty to leverage our resources, knowledge, and positions of influence to make a positive difference in the world, looking far beyond personal or organizational ambitions. This perspective has shaped our company’s culture and reinforced our commitment to social responsibility and ethical leadership.

How would you define the digital divide? Can you explain or give an example?

The “digital divide” describes the gap between those with easy access to the Internet and modern technology and those without. It significantly impacts learning, remote healthcare access, and growing businesses. Imagine two towns: In one, residents can effortlessly use the Internet for various needs, while in the other, people struggle with unreliable and slow connections.

This disparity isn’t just about access, though; it affects motivation and engagement, especially among children. When faced with inconsistent internet, many, particularly young learners, may become discouraged and underutilize even the minimal resources available, exacerbating the divide.

Let me provide a very personal example. In 2008, my company was the fastest-growing private open-access broadband company in the Southeast. We had multiple campus-based fiber networks under development, with contracts in negotiations for even more. By mid-2009, while enduring the global housing crash, all our clients were out of business and/or had their projects placed on hold, virtually bankrupting the company and me personally. Although I had nearly half a million dollars worth of telecom inventory, I couldn’t sell it to pay for my household’s basic needs. In May of 2009, while trying to apply for government assistance, the internet at my home was cut off because I couldn’t afford to pay the monthly bill.

As a result, I had to go several miles to the nearest library to get online and complete the application. While at the library, I had to wait several hours until a computer was available to complete the application for assistance. After returning home, I thought about how I understood how telecom worked. Still, I couldn’t use it to access the critical social resources I needed to help my family because all of it required internet access at home.

After praying about the ordeal, I came up with the eCommunity Framework, which is based on a simple concept. As long as the entity that owns the network also charges to access it, someone will always be digitally disconnected from the social resources they need. My concept was so compelling it made it to the White House, where I was invited to come and share details regarding eCommunity™. A year later, the framework was part of a $56M federal grant to help eradicate the digital divide in South Central Alabama. While that grant wasn’t completed due to unforeseen circumstances, today eCommunity™ is being deployed, and our mission is to bring broadband to every community, regardless of socio-economic condition. By doing this, we’re not just connecting people to the Internet; we’re opening doors to new opportunities and helping level the playing field for everyone, no matter where they live.

Can you tell our readers a bit about your recent experience working with initiatives to close the digital divide? Can you share a story with us?

Sure, I’d love to share a bit about our journey toward closing the digital divide, using our recent work in Morrow, Georgia as a vivid example.

Once a small railway stop, Morrow is evolving into a buzzing commercial center and now a pioneering Smart City, thanks to our partnership. We teamed up with the city to weave a digital fabric that could connect everyone to fast, reliable internet. Our project in The District, Morrow’s new town center extending to Southlake Mall, is a testament to what happens when community and technology join forces.

We laid down a hybrid fiber/wireless network that’s not just about speed (though we’re talking gigabit speeds scalable to 100Gbps!) but about choice and innovation. Businesses, tech centers, and every entrepreneur or student walking into Southlake Mall can tap into a network that powers their dreams, helps test new smart city technologies, and, frankly, shows what’s possible when a city gets a digital upgrade.

This may be obvious to you, but it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you articulate to our readers a few reasons why it is so important to create change in this area?

Bridging the digital divide is crucial, especially in places like Clayton County and the broader Southern United States, where digital access has historically lagged. In our home region, we’re addressing this by ensuring our communities are included. The disparity is clear, with nearly one-third of U.S. households without broadband and 28% of Americans not using the Internet.

Our focus on traditionally underserved areas aims to level the playing field, offering essential services like education, healthcare, and economic opportunities through high-speed internet. For example, in today’s job market, 94% of recruiters leverage social media, and 50% of jobs require tech skills — a figure set to increase to 77% in the next decade. By providing scalable, reliable connectivity, we empower Georgians to participate and excel in the digital economy, ensuring no community is left disconnected.

What specific actions has your company or organization taken to address the digital divide, and how do you ensure that your efforts positively impact the communities you serve?

At eCommunity™, we see internet access as a right, not a privilege, and work closely with everyone from local governments to individual residents to ensure our infrastructure benefits especially underserved communities. Our recent deployment in Riverdale, GA, is another perfect example: We brought high-speed fiber internet to over 1,100 homes in just four months, demonstrating our commitment and efficiency.

The community’s positive feedback has been overwhelming, with residents excited about finally having affordable and reliable internet. This project, part of our mission to connect people to opportunities, involves installing infrastructure and ensuring a smooth transition for each household. By working hand-in-hand with the community and focusing on inclusive access, eCommunity™ is making significant strides toward closing the digital divide.

What are some of the challenges that individuals or communities face when trying to bridge the digital divide?

Bridging the digital divide is complex, facing hurdles like infrastructure limitations in underserved areas, high costs of high-speed internet access, and a lack of digital literacy preventing effective internet use. Policy and regulation also play a significant role in supporting or obstructing efforts to close the gap.

Moreover, ensuring the sustainability of divide-bridging initiatives and overcoming a lack of awareness or interest in technology adoption are ongoing challenges. A comprehensive strategy is needed, encompassing infrastructure development, affordable access, digital literacy education, supportive policies, and community engagement to overcome these barriers.

What role do you see technology companies playing in closing the digital divide, and what steps can they take to ensure that their products and services are accessible to all?

Technology companies are crucial in bridging the digital divide, standing in a unique position to extend internet and digital services to underserved areas. By developing accessible, low-cost products and investing in infrastructure, these companies can make significant strides toward inclusivity. Collaborating with local communities, governments, and non-profits enables tailored solutions that address specific needs, while digital literacy programs ensure individuals can effectively utilize these technologies.

Offering affordable access through varied pricing strategies further removes financial barriers, while advocating for supportive policies can facilitate broader access to digital resources. In essence, technology firms have the opportunity and the obligation to use their resources and expertise to ensure everyone can benefit from the digital revolution. Once again, this approach embodies the quote I mentioned earlier — “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Because of investment coming from the federal government, we have funding for great access to infrastructure and digital skills training. In your view, what other policy changes are needed to address the digital divide? How can companies and policymakers work together to implement these changes?

Beyond federal investments in infrastructure and training, policies need to emphasize affordability, wider access, and sustainability to help narrow the digital divide. These strategies should include subsidizing internet costs for low-income families, encouraging community internet access points, and fostering competition among internet service providers to lower prices and enhance service quality.

Collaborative efforts between the private sector and policymakers are crucial for these initiatives. Public-private partnerships can drive innovation and investment in underserved areas, while multi-stakeholder advisory committees ensure inclusive and equitable policies. Essentially, companies and policymakers can more effectively work towards a digitally inclusive society by joining forces.

We are already in Web 3.0. What should we be doing as leaders to ensure the next iteration(s) of the Web are green, accessible, and beneficial to as many people as possible?

In my opinion, as we evolve beyond Web 3.0, leaders must prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical development. This might include championing green technology practices, such as energy-efficient data centers and low-carbon blockchain technologies.

We must also make sure that new technologies are designed with accessibility at their core. This is crucial and makes them usable and affordable for people with diverse technical abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Finally, promoting inclusivity is key to developing content and platforms that will cater to all segments of society.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1. Look at Failures as a Learning Tool: Early in my career, I viewed failure as a setback rather than an opportunity for growth. A project I spearheaded encountered several obstacles and didn’t meet our initial expectations. It was a very tough period, but it taught me resilience and the importance of making mistakes to improve future successes. Understanding that failure is part of the journey to success helped me approach challenges with more confidence and less fear.
2. Use Networking to Build Genuine Relationships: I used to think networking was about collecting as many contacts as possible. It wasn’t until I found myself needing advice and career support that I realized the true value lies in meaningful connections. A mentor I met through volunteering later played a pivotal role in guiding me through a significant career decision. This one experience showed me the importance of nurturing and valuing authentic relationships wherever you find them.
3. Place Importance on Work-Life Balance: At the beginning of my career, I was all about work, often at the expense of my personal time and health. Eventually, this workaholic behavior took a toll on my well-being. My biggest lesson has been on achieving balance in my career. It’s still difficult at times, but since I have learned to balance my job and personal life I have become much more productive and happier!
4. Knowledge Is Power: After college, I initially believed that my learning phase was over, and it was all about applying what I had been taught. However, with the rapid evolution of technology and market trends, I am now a firm believer in the necessity of continuous learning.
5. Saying No Is OK: Early on, I thought saying yes to every opportunity was the path to success. By doing so, I was led down a path to burnout and a lack of focus on what truly mattered. A trusted mentor advised me on the importance of prioritizing. There is a personal strength found in saying no to tasks or projects that don’t align with my goals or values. Learning to say no has allowed me to dedicate more time and energy to projects that are truly impactful to my personal and professional growth.

What role can individuals play in closing the digital divide, and what steps can they take to support these efforts?

Individuals can contribute to closing the digital divide by advocating for equitable Internet access, volunteering in digital literacy initiatives, donating to organizations focused on tech access, raising awareness about digital inclusivity, engaging in community tech projects, and supporting businesses that offer affordable internet services.

At eCommunity™, we enhance these efforts through strategic partnerships. We collaborate with cities, counties, electric utilities, developers, and development authorities to improve or build digital networks. We aim to provide comprehensive connectivity solutions across communities, combining our resources and infrastructure for a wider impact. We invite you to contact us directly if you want to support our mission or explore partnership opportunities. Together, we can make a significant impact in bridging the digital divide.

How can our readers follow you online?

Your readers can stay updated with our latest projects, partnerships, and initiatives in closing the digital divide by following us online. Here’s how you can connect with us:

• Visit our website for detailed information and updates: eCommunity Fiber
• Follow us on Instagram for visuals of our work and community engagements: @ecommunityfiber
• Like our Facebook page to join our community and stay informed: eCommunity Fiber
• Connect with us on LinkedIn for updates and opportunities: eCommunity Fiber
• Follow our X.com account for news and insights: @ecommunityfiber

By following us across these platforms, you’ll gain insights into our efforts to bridge the digital divide and learn how you can be a part of this transformative journey.

This was very meaningful; thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!