DCI Celebrates Digital Inclusion Week

November 07, 2025

Emma Hughes

Community Newsperson

Digital Connect Initiative (DCI), a subsidiary of Gila River Telecommunications Inc. (GRTI), celebrated Digital Inclusion Week by hosting a “lunch & learn” event on Oct. 6. The gathering was held at the District 3 Service Center and focused on helping Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) members and employees learn about new technology, access digital resources, and gain confidence using everyday devices by sharing the services they offer. Digital Inclusion Week, held Oct. 6-10, is an annual nationwide event dedicated to raising awareness about digital equity and the vital importance of inclusion.

The local event featured a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where people could drop in, learn, ask questions, and get hands-on help. Lunch was provided, and GRTI presented updates to its services, including fiber internet, an apprenticeship program, and digital equity resources, such as affordable internet programs. DCI shared its ‘Tech 4 Elders’ class and ‘Techie Camps.’ Its initiative is to bridge the digital divide within Indigenous communities, including GRIC. DCI offers hands-on support services and resources that are easy to understand and readily accessible for all ages.

The event also featured a unique mobile ‘tech hive’ provided by the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration. The hive is a tech and learning center that offers hands-on experience with computers, tablets, virtual reality, 3D printing, podcasting, videography, robotics, artificial  intelligence, and more. It is one of two mobile units in addition to other hive locations that can be found in Pinal, Maricopa, and Cochise counties.

While the event was modest in size, it made a strong impact. Dozens of Community members attended, many of whom said they had never received personal tech help before. Several participants signed up for ongoing digital literacy classes, while others left feeling more comfortable using their devices for the first time.

For more information about DCI and its services, visit digitalconnect.org. To find out more about the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration, visit www.theidia.org.