What’s New in Digital Equity: Expanding Wi-Fi in Nevada

This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below:

• Expanding Wi-Fi in Nevada
• Louisiana Technology Access Program
• New Mexico Planning Grant Program
• Lynchburg, Va., Unveils Bookmobile
• Blueprint for Digital Participation Policies
• FCC Proposes Permitting Rules
  

EXPANDING WI-FI IN NEVADA

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has partnered with Washoe County to expand eduroam, a secure Wi-Fi service, to 80 public locations across the county — including libraries, parks, community centers, senior centers and other county facilities.

The initiative will allow students, educators and researchers to access secure Internet service in more places using their existing school or institutional credentials.

This brings Nevada’s total number of eduroam hot spot locations to 350 across the state. Washoe County has added more locations to the statewide network than any partner that is not a K-12 entity.

“This gives students, educators and researchers more places to securely connect while using county facilities and community spaces,” Behzad Zamanian, Washoe County CIO, said in a statement.

The expansion is part of NSHE’s broader effort to expand the service to more locations statewide. A map of participating locations across Nevada can be found on NSHE’s website.
Once the service is set up on a user’s device, that individual can connect to service securely and automatically at participating sites across the state — and more than 38,000 locations worldwide.

The work is supported by NSHE’s System Computing Services, which makes the service available at no cost to eligible public partners by leveraging state funding.

LOUISIANA TECHNOLOGY ACCESS PROGRAM

The Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (ConnectLA) has launched the Étouffée Program to support digital device access. The program name — Enhancing Technological Opportunity for you and your Family to Foster Education and Enterprise — is a nod to a popular regional dish found in both Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Through the program, ConnectLA will provide qualifying organizations — including veterans service groups, rural public health agencies, state agencies and postsecondary institutions — with laptops, desktops, tablets and other tech resources.

Organizations can apply to support device loan programs, public computer labs, workforce development initiatives, digital literacy training and health-related access initiatives.

Applications are open through July 15.

NEW MEXICO PLANNING GRANT PROGRAM

In other state news, New Mexico has awarded $300,000 in broadband planning grants to rural and tribal communities in the state: Jemez Springs, Doña Ana County and Santo Domingo Pueblo.

The state’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is awarding these grants through its Grant Writing, Engineering, and Planning Program (GWEP).

The state has awarded GWEP grants to 18 tribal communities, 17 local governments, and four rural electric and telephone cooperatives. No less than $1 million in GWEP grants remains, and eligible entities may still apply. Each grant may be up to $100,000, and entities that have already received an award can receive a second award.

LYNCHBURG, VA., UNVEILS BOOKMOBILE

In local news, the Lynchburg Public Library in Virginia has unveiled its new bookmobile, which acts as a mobile library branch on wheels. It is equipped with books and public Wi-Fi and has the ability to issue library cards and host programs.

The project was made possible by $300,000 from grants and donors; the vehicle came at no cost to the city.

The bookmobile’s launch comes as the city’s Main Library is closed for renovation to address accessibility, aging technology and infrastructure; the renovation is scheduled for completion in summer 2027. Patrons can still find library services at the Downtown Branch, the bookmobile, and library hubs at the Miller Center.

Notably, the bookmobile is equipped with a wheelchair lift.

BLUEPRINT FOR DIGITAL PARTICIPATION POLICIES

A collaborative white paper from Public Knowledge, UnidosUS and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance offers policy recommendations to support digital participation.

Among the resource’s key findings, the paper revealed that consumers face systemic barriers as a result of policies that prioritize concentrated wealth over community needs. In addition, digital inequities compound “every other challenge” communities face; the report highlights the intersection between broadband access and housing stability, healthcare, employment and education.

The paper calls for urgent reform to the Universal Service Fund so that there is a minimum benefit of $40 to help connect low-income communities. Other stakeholders have also called for the program to be reformed.

Lastly, to support broadband adoption, the resource calls for sustained federal investment in digital literacy, device access and culturally responsive training programs. The report cites the impact of the Digital Equity Act’s cancellation, which digital inclusion groups and policymakers have been working to address.

FCC PROPOSES PERMITTING RULES

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has proposed new rules to eliminate regulations at the state and local level that constrain high-speed wireline infrastructure deployment.

The notice seeks comment on codifying rules that would do several things, including requiring state and local governments to process wireline telecommunication services and infrastructure authorization requests within 120 days.

Legislators have also been taking action to try to address permitting delays with the CLOSE THE GAP Act and other bills.