Digital Equity

Plus, broadband permitting legislation advances in the U.S. Congress, a project aims to expand connectivity to boost agriculture technology adoption, Oklahoma has kicked off a fiber project and more.

The San Francisco Tech Council, a multi-sector collaborative, powers digital inclusion work in the city through events and trainings. It supports agencies and practitioners in navigating the landscape.

The city’s new chief digital equity officer, Paolo Balboa, talks about the role of trust in bringing more people to technology — and bringing more tech to people. He describes his vision as NYC prepares for a new mayor.

Plus, the Network Equipment Transparency Act passed in the U.S. Senate, San Francisco is expanding its free Wi-Fi network, Alabama has made progress on the construction of its middle-mile network, and more.

Plus, Arkansas is offering technology training to residents, North Carolina is investing in recovering broadband infrastructure after Hurricane Helene, rural broadband legislation has been introduced, and more.

DigitalC CEO Joshua Edmonds says the Internet provider will continue to offer service at $18, despite the nonprofit’s fiber provider being sold amid bankruptcy proceedings.

Plus, the FCC is looking to make changes to broadband consumer labels, localities are partnering with private-sector businesses to expand Internet access, Oklahoma has launched new broadband work, and more.

Plus, New Mexico and Indiana are both expanding access to broadband, a federal government shift to paperless checks may widen digital inequities, and more.

The program, Cafecito y Computadoras — “Coffee and Computers” in Spanish — offers bilingual classes that combine digital fundamentals with AI literacy for up to 300 residents.

Allo Fiber will use nearly 100,000 business and residential access points to create a network for students to access on school-issued devices at home, local businesses and other public places.

Plus, North Carolina has set standards for digital literacy, Alabama has launched a workforce initiative to improve digital skills, Massachusetts is investing $23 million to expand device access, and more.

Plus, a digital inclusion nonprofit filed a lawsuit challenging the repeal of the Digital Equity Act, a new class of Vermont broadband technicians have graduated, New Mexico is expanding public Wi-Fi, and more.

Plus, Maryland has brought Internet access to Smith Island; Hawaii has launched a Digital Navigator Program; students in El Paso, Texas, will receive digital and AI skills instruction, and more.

The city of Brownsville, Texas, was given that designation in 2014. Since then, officials have made investments to change its status, including supporting the deployment of a fiber network.

Big Apple Connect has helped more than 300,000 public housing residents access the Internet and other digital services since its launch. The move reflects other work in the state to expand broadband.

Plus, Puerto Rico is offering free technical training — ranging from cloud computing to AI — through a new partnership, Arlington County, Va., aims to build digital skills with a new navigator program, and more.

The Social Security Administration will stop issuing paper checks to beneficiaries on Sept. 30, which concerns former Social Security Administration commissioner Martin O’Malley.

Plus, a new Arizona partnership aims to expand Internet access in the state along Interstate 17; Cook County, Ill., is planning a learning symposium event for Digital Inclusion Week; and more.