Brendan Kelly Brendan Kelly

Digital Equity Improves People’s Livelihoods

REVinternet knows access to the internet is no longer a luxury—it’s no a utility and lifeline. From applying for jobs to managing finances, accessing healthcare, and pursuing education, digital tools shape nearly every aspect of modern life. Yet millions of people still lack reliable internet access, appropriate devices, or the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. This gap, known as the digital divide, doesn’t just limit convenience—it limits opportunity.

That’s why digital equity matters. When we ensure that everyone, regardless of income, geography, age, or background, can participate fully in the digital world, we unlock improvements in livelihoods that ripple through entire communities.

1. Digital Equity Opens Doors to Better Education

Education has transformed dramatically with the rise of digital learning. Students access virtual classrooms, online research materials, interactive tools, and tutoring platforms. Adults rely on e-learning programs for upskilling and career transitions.

But without adequate devices or broadband access, people fall behind academically and professionally. Fostering digital equity ensures:

  • Students can complete assignments and participate in blended learning

  • Adults can reskill for emerging industries

  • Lifelong learning becomes a reality, not a privilege

The result? More qualified workers, higher earning potential, and stronger local economies.

2. It Expands Access to Employment and Economic Opportunity

Today’s job market is digital-first. Applications, interviews, and skill-building all happen online. Small businesses rely on digital tools to reach customers and manage operations.

Digital equity provides individuals with:

  • Access to online job portals

  • Training in essential digital competencies

  • Tools to start home-based or remote businesses

When people have the ability to participate in the digital economy, they gain more stable income, flexibility, and agency over their livelihoods.

3. It Improves Access to Healthcare and Essential Services

Telehealth, online patient portals, and digital pharmacy services have become critical—especially for rural communities or individuals with limited mobility.

Digital equity helps ensure people can:

  • Access telemedicine appointments

  • Refill prescriptions online

  • Receive timely information during emergencies

Beyond healthcare, essential services—from social benefits to financial assistance—are increasingly digital. When people are connected, they can access the support they need, when they need it.

4. It Strengthens Community Participation and Civic Engagement

At our core, REVinternet wants to foster commuity engagement in the areas we serve. By fostering digital equity, communities ensure that:

  • Residents stay informed

  • More voices contribute to public decision-making

  • Civic participation becomes more inclusive

When people are connected, democracy becomes stronger and more representative.

5. It Encourages Social Connection and Reduces Isolation

Digital tools allow people to maintain relationships across distances, join community groups, and find support networks. For seniors, income contrained, immigrants, and people with disabilities, digital access is a lifeline to social inclusion.

Improving digital equity helps combat loneliness and promotes mental well-being—both of which are core components of a thriving life.

Digital Equity Isn’t Just About Technology—It’s About Opportunity

Fostering digital equity means investing in:

  • Affordable and reliable broadband

  • Accessible devices

  • Digital literacy training

  • Inclusive design that meets the needs of all users

When we commit to leveling the digital playing field, we empower individuals to learn, work, connect, and thrive. The benefits extend far beyond the screen—they uplift entire communities, drive economic growth, and pave the way for a fairer, more resilient society.

Read More
Brendan Kelly Brendan Kelly

Why Big Internet Providers Don’t Care About Digital Equity — and Why That’s an Opportunity

When it comes to internet access, not all communities are treated equally. While large internet service providers (ISPs) advertise nationwide coverage and cutting-edge speeds, the reality is that millions of Americans remain underserved. Manufactured housing communities, rural towns, and lower-income neighborhoods often find themselves at the bottom of the priority list.

The reason? Big ISPs are not in the business of digital equity.

Profit Over People

For large providers, the business model is simple:

  • Focus on high-density urban areas where infrastructure investments pay off quickly.

  • Prioritize wealthier communities that can afford bundled TV, phone, and high-speed internet packages.

  • Invest in upgrades where shareholder returns are highest, not where the digital divide is widest.

That leaves underserved communities — the very places that need affordable, reliable internet the most — on the outside looking in. For a Fortune 500 ISP, building fiber to a mobile home park or a small rural town is often written off as unprofitable.

The Cost of Inequity

Lack of access isn’t just an inconvenience. It limits:

  • Education: Students without broadband can’t keep up with online assignments.

  • Healthcare: Telehealth is out of reach for many seniors and low-income families.

  • Work: Remote job opportunities bypass communities without reliable connections.

Digital equity isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation for participating in the modern economy.

The Opportunity for Smaller Providers

Here’s where smaller ISPs, local co-ops, and forward-thinking operators have an opening. By focusing on communities ignored by the big players, these providers can:

  • Build loyal customer bases that value reliability and fair pricing.

  • Partner with property owners and municipalities to create scalable, sustainable broadband solutions.

  • Access government funding programs designed to support digital inclusion initiatives.

In fact, digital equity can be a smart business strategy. Communities that finally get access to high-quality internet don’t just sign up — they stay. They recommend the service. They see the provider as part of the neighborhood, not just a logo on a bill.

A Different Kind of Internet Future

The digital divide won’t close itself. Large providers have shown that they will continue to follow the money, not the mission. That leaves the door wide open for smaller, more agile ISPs to step in and make digital equity both a priority and a profitable opportunity.

In other words: what the giants see as “too small to bother with” could be the most valuable growth market of all.

Read More
Brendan Kelly Brendan Kelly

Why Manufactured Housing Communities Deserve Better Internet

It all begins with an idea.

Why the Gap Exists

Outdated Infrastructure
Many communities were built long before internet access was a necessity. As a result, they often rely on outdated copper phone lines or coaxial systems that were never designed to handle today’s digital demands.

Low Priority from Major ISPs
Large internet providers tend to focus their resources on dense urban neighborhoods or newly built subdivisions. Even though manufactured housing communities can house hundreds of residents, they’re often overlooked because providers assume residents will “make do” with slower options.

Why It Matters

Poor internet access isn’t just an inconvenience. It can limit residents’ ability to work remotely, attend online classes, use telehealth services, or even enjoy simple entertainment like streaming. In today’s world, broadband is just as essential as any other utility.

The Opportunity

For MHC Onwers, this challenge is also a chance to add real value. By partnering with specialized ISPs or investing in bulk internet service, manufactured housing communities can:

  • Increase property value and resident satisfaction

  • Offer competitive amenities that rival traditional neighborhoods

  • Create new revenue opportunities through bulk service models

  • Help close the digital divide for families who need affordable, reliable access

Final Thought

High-speed internet is no longer optional—it’s a must-have. MHCs that recognize this and take proactive steps will set themselves apart, attract new residents, and build long-term loyalty.

Read More
Brendan Kelly Brendan Kelly

Why Providing Bulk Internet Service is Smart Business for Park Owners

It all begins with an idea.

When operating a manufactured community, profitability comes down to two key drivers: resident retention and property value growth. While amenities like pools or playgrounds can help, today’s most in-demand utility is high-speed internet. For park owners, offering bulk internet service isn’t just an amenity—it’s a business strategy with measurable returns.

1. Increase Property Value and Market Competitiveness

Parks with built-in, reliable broadband command higher rents and greater market appeal. Prospective residents increasingly ask about internet quality before they ask about floorplans. Communities that can advertise “broadband internet included” gain a competitive edge against nearby parks that leave residents to negotiate with big-box carriers.

Think of it this way: bulk internet is the 21st-century equivalent of offering central air—it shifts your property from “basic” to “premium.”

2. Generate a Steady Revenue Stream

With bulk service, park owners negotiate wholesale rates directly with an internet provider. By bundling internet into lot rent or community fees, owners can mark up modestly while still providing residents better pricing than they’d get on their own.

For example, if you purchase service at $25 per door and charge $40, across 200 lots you’ve just created an additional $3,000 in predictable monthly revenue—without adding a single unit.

Sample ROI Breakdown (200-Space Community)

  • Wholesale rate (ISP contract): $25 per unit/month

  • Resident charge (bundled into rent): $40 per unit/month

  • Gross margin per unit: $15/month

Monthly Net Revenue:
200 units × $15 = $3,000

Annual Net Revenue:
$3,000 × 12 = $36,000

3. Reduce Resident Turnover

Turnover is expensive. Every vacant lot means lost lot fees. Residents who enjoy fast, hassle-free internet are less likely to leave. When internet is embedded into the value of living in your park, it becomes a “sticky” amenity—something that keeps residents rooted long-term.

4. Control Quality and Service Delivery

National carriers often overlook or underserve MHCs. By structuring a bulk agreement, park owners gain leverage: you decide the service levels, negotiate upgrades, and ensure residents aren’t left with poor coverage. This level of control translates into fewer complaints and stronger community satisfaction.

5. Streamline Operations

Instead of residents setting up dozens of individual accounts, bulk service means one contract, one bill, one relationship. Residents appreciate the simplicity of “move in and log on,” while owners reduce administrative headaches.

6. Position for Long-Term Growth

Broadband isn’t just about entertainment. Remote work, online education, streaming, and telehealth are becoming everyday necessities. Communities without reliable internet will fall behind, while those with bulk service will attract a broader resident base and future-proof their investment.

7. This model works for resident owned communities as well

ROCs can leverage their collective buying power to negotiate park wide service that is considerably less on a member by member basis. Each member saves a great deal on retail rates for internet service by using the parkwide bulk service instead of buying alone.

Final Thought

Bulk internet is not an expense—it’s an asset. It strengthens revenue, reduces vacancy costs, enhances property value, and differentiates your park in a competitive market. For forward-looking park owners, bulk internet service is one of the smartest infrastructure decisions you can make today..

Read More