Land of Sky Regional Council WestNGN Partners With Advanced Data & Network Solutions To close the Digital Divide

-- WestNGN Press Release

Asheville, NC – April 2025 – The WestNGN program at Land of Sky Regional Council (LOSRC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Advanced Data & Network Solutions (ADNS). Together, they will support the Land of Sky WestNGN Device Refurbishment Program—an initiative aimed at addressing the region’s digital needs, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Last year, WestNGN led the Helene Technology Recovery Program, which provided more than 1,000 devices to  families, businesses, and nonprofits impacted by the storm.

Thanks to this new partnership with ADNS, LOSRC looks forward to continuing its support for the region's recovery and working collaboratively to close the digital divide while reducing e-waste.

“Devices are an integral part of digital access and are essential for both education and employment. When communications were restored after the storm I realized that many people lost the device that helps them connect to resources and we started the Technology Recovery Program. I was able to start this program because of the relationship we already had with ADNS to help close the device gap,” said Sara Nichols, Land of Sky Energy and Economic Development Program Manager.

This partnership leverages ADNS’s technical expertise to expand the refurbishment program, enabling more refurbished laptops to be distributed to community members and partner organizations. ADNS has committed to refurbishing laptops that Land of Sky WestNGN receives through its existing partnerships across the region. Additionally, ADNS will contribute upcycled devices to further extend the program’s reach. Studies have shown that access to a laptop and internet can greatly improve quality of life for underserved residents, enhancing opportunities for education, employment, and social connection.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Land of Sky Regional Council to help close the digital divide,” said Jason Scheewe, CEO of Advanced Data & Network Solutions. “Access to technology is crucial in today’s world, and we are proud to contribute to making it more accessible for everyone in our region. Doing this work in the place we live and love makes it even more meaningful.

By refurbishing and reusing laptops, the initiative not only helps bridge the digital divide but also significantly reduces electronic waste. Extending the life of these devices keeps them out of landfills, conserves resources, and minimizes environmental impact.

The program is actively recruiting devices to be refurbished, if your organization or business is interested in supporting closing the device gap please reach out to westngn@landofsky.org