Digital Equity

After years of rapid ed-tech expansion accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning, many teachers and parents think early education is entering a moment of reckoning.

Plus, the digital accessibility compliance deadline has moved but the need remains, Kansas is investing millions in broadband, federal legislation has advanced to support deployment, and more.

The one-year-old dashboard helps students plan their path to college while also offering a treasure-trove of educational and career data. The state also has increased the tool’s accessibility.

A week before the deadline, the U.S. Department of Justice has prefiled its Interim Final Rule, which offers state and local governments a one-year extension for digital accessibility compliance.

Plus, Oregon has announced funding recipients for device access, broadband legislation is pending progress in the U.S. House of Representatives, a small town is expanding free Wi-Fi access, and more.

Plus, Massachusetts is distributing nearly 27,000 devices, the Atlanta Regional Commission is launching a digital skills training initiative, Nashville is working to expand language access, and more.

The state has made a new investment to secure better web access for rural and other underserved residents. The state earlier this year announced it had gained a big federal grant for such work.

Plus, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance offers digital inclusion programming guidance amid mass enforcement actions, a report reveals consumer cost concerns, millions of seniors lack service, and more.

Plus, North Carolina is investing millions in broadband, legislation has advanced in U.S. Congress to assess satellite broadband in the Appalachian region, AI is impacting wireless network demand, and more.

The state is offering AI training developed with InnovateUS, to help employees increase their skill levels and use AI responsibly. The curriculum is available via its online learning platform.

Plus, new legislation would revive the FCC’s equity council if enacted, a report reveals connectivity gaps in tribal communities, some municipal broadband networks outperform their competitors, and more.

Plus, Maine is looking for partners for its middle-mile network, New Mexico has enacted a law establishing a broadband affordability program, fiber infrastructure expansion is continuing, and more.

While the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is deploying broadband infrastructure, the State Library and its digital equity program manager are on the ground enabling access.

As the county prepares to launch its 2026-2028 strategic plan for tech advancement, the CIO examined progress on improving digital services and what “AI” means for the local government.

Plus, a lack of funding is impacting digital inclusion initiatives, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill for rural and tribal broadband, San Francisco has expanded its free Wi-Fi network, and more.

Plus, Massachusetts is opening applications for its Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board, Denver launched a streaming platform, experts dub fiber broadband deployment as essential, and more.

Plus, New Mexico is increasing access to affordable Internet, federal legislation has advanced in Congress to better track funding, Indiana residents have expanded access to fiber broadband, and more.

Plus, during the State of the Net conference, officials discussed broadband funding proposals and the importance of AI-supporting communications infrastructure; new state bills address broadband; and more.