When AT&T and BellSouth merged there was more than a little concern that SeniorNet’s arrangement with BellSouth in Greensboro might be in jeopardy. A recent letter to SeniorNet members and volunteers confirms those fears. Although attempts are being made to negotiate with AT&T, it appears that the space BellSouth made available to SeniorNet in its building at 2200 Pinecroft Road will be reallocated to house AT&T employees. There ramifications of the merger for SeniorNet in Greensboro are manifold: loss of adequate space to hold meetings and classes; loss of support for internet, telephone, email, and web site access; a need for temporary storage for current hardware, software and furnishings. The current leasing agreement expires at the end of August. The letter to members indicated that while discussions were suspended until later in July, it was hopeful that efforts of both SeniorNet and AT&T will arrive at an equitable solution.
SeniorNet has grown in its service to the seniors of Greensboro and can proudly boast of an alumni list totaling nearly 3ooo names as well as a current roster of 75 volunteers and a waiting list of 220 seeking a seat in one of the 9 classes offered by SeniorNet. It would be a tragedy if the company which partnered with Apple to launch the innovative iPhone failed to have both the insight and foresight to continue support for seniors as they seek to improve their technology skills –social networking is not the exclusive domain of the young, besides, a pragmatic business person shouldn’t overlook a potential market opportunity.
Footnote: This entry is also posted at Scribbling
