CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Illinois (November 22, 2011) - Volo Broadband’s CEO, Peter Folk, announced today that Volo is offering complete computer systems with 19-inch monitors for $135 until midnight on Black Friday.  This sale is part of Volo Broadband’s Digital Equality Initiative, a program aimed to help eliminate the digital divide.

Brian Bell, the director of Volo Broadband’s Digital Equality Initiative and teacher at Parkland College in charge of administrating the state Digital Divide grant for this area said, “I wanted to offer Champaign-Urbana residents an unbelievable deal that doesn’t require a Black Friday shopping marathon, with long lines, traffic jams, and supplies that only last until 8 AM.”  Brian was emphatic when talking about the purpose of this sale. He said, “This sale is about getting computers in the hands of as many residents as we can, but it doesn’t stop there.  We are committed to help educate our local community in technology so they can be prepared to participate in the workforce for generations to come.“  Brian teaches free computer classes at the Illinois Worknet Center at 1307 N. Mattis in Champaign every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-noon, and Monday and Wednesday 2-4pm.

Patrons interested in this program can Call 217 367-8656 or visit volo.net/computers to order a complete computer system before midnight on Black Friday.  If you or your company has interest in donating computers or other resources to this program, Brian Bell can be reached at 217 367-8656.

The Volo Digital Equality Initiative is a set of programs that Volo is supporting to help eliminate the digital divide in Champaign County, in coordination with Parkland College and other organizations.  Building on efforts by Brian Bell over the last three years, Volo is now providing complete computer systems for families, individuals, and organizations for about $135 each. Grants are available for organizations wishing to establish a public computing center or mobile lab.

Volo’s equality computer systems include a refurbished (but relatively recent) desktop computer with Windows XP, anti-virus, office, and internet software, a new flat screen LCD Monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and all cables and connectors necessary for a complete computer system.  While not part of the initial rollout, Volo will be adding laptop computers to the initiative once the desktop program is well underway.