Connected Nation completes 25-hour global digital skills marathon, awaits GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ verification
25th anniversary event brings together AT&T, Amazon, Netflix, and more than
25 partner organizations in delivering free digital skills training worldwide
Louisville, Ky. (September 25, 2026) — National nonprofit Connected Nation (CN) is thrilled to announce that it has completed its attempt at the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “longest internet literacy live stream.”
Broadcast live from Hatfield Media’s studios in Louisville, the marathon marked CN’s 25th anniversary with 25 consecutive, hour-long sessions designed to help people build the skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly digital world. The broadcast began at 9 a.m. ET on September 24 and concluded at 10 a.m. ET on September 25.
CN worked with lead collaborator AT&T, along with more than 25 national and international partner and sponsor organizations, including Amazon, Netflix, Accredible, Common Sense Media, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, Compudopt, Kenya’s Angaza Center, and U.K.-based The Hacking Games, to bring together experts and community leaders for practical training on artificial intelligence (AI), online safety, digital wellness, workforce skills, accessibility, financial literacy, and other everyday digital needs. A full list of participating organizations is available at connectednation.org/25-hours-one-connected-world.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to improve their lives, their families, and their communities, regardless of who they are, where they live, or how they begin,” said Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, CN. “The record attempt gives people a reason to pay attention, but the real purpose is digital empowerment: bringing practical training to people for free and starting a larger conversation about the skills people need to participate in a digital world.”
The sessions were designed to be practical for people at a wide range of ages and skill levels. Topics included AI, online safety, digital wellness, workforce skills, accessibility, financial literacy, and other everyday digital skills. Training partners included educators, nonprofits, libraries, and technology organizations from around the world. Partners brought expertise from their own communities and regions, so viewers heard from people who understand different needs and experiences.
The marathon reflects CN’s work to address a Digital Divide that extends beyond internet access to the skills people need to participate fully in a connected world. All sessions were recorded and will be made available to the public at no cost, extending the training reach beyond the live event.
“We’re proud to have hosted this successful production and look forward to continuing to lead the global conversation about digital inclusion,” said Heather Gate, Executive Vice President, Digital Transformation, CN. “The divide now includes whether people can use online tools for work, education, health care, finances, and everyday life — and whether they can keep up as technologies such as AI change quickly.”
CN is awaiting official recognition from the Guinness World Records organization but has completed all qualifications necessary to achieve the world record title for “longest internet literacy live stream.” To qualify, the live stream must have run continuously for 25 hours with no pauses longer than one minute and maintained a minimum of 50 live viewers at all times.
In addition to the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “longest internet literacy live stream,” the initiative may result in the first “Record of Good” ever awarded in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This distinction from Guinness World Records recognizes efforts that create meaningful, positive impact in people’s lives. Earning this designation would further build on CN’s 25-year mission to improve lives through access to broadband and its related technologies.
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About Connected Nation: Marking its 25th anniversary in 2026, the U.S.-based national nonprofit’s mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. Learn more at connectednation.org