Digital Equity

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.

The state’s new accessibility and equity strategy focuses on how state agencies design and run digital services. It aims to ensure government websites and other online resources can be used by all.

Plus, the debate around congressionally approved federal broadband funding continues, a report highlights access barriers for government services, a Massachusetts tool shows progress on broadband, and more.

Plus, policymakers call for the release of federal broadband funding, a report examines the "dig once" rule's impact, Internet service providers can join an initiative to help combat sex trafficking, and more.

The microgrant initiative aims to help support technology adoption among small businesses. The city joins other local and state governments in fostering the adoption of AI and other technologies.

Plus, federal legislation supporting rural Internet access gets introduced, Utah’s legislature will consider a law establishing digital literacy education, Texas is investing millions in broadband expansion, and more.

Plus, New York has reopened applications for grants through its ConnectALL program, New Mexico celebrated progress on connectivity expansion, fiber networks continue expanding to new locations, and more.

Plus, New Mexico has launched its three-year broadband plan, North Carolina has debuted a program to expand Internet access in rural communities, a report shows progress on broadband expansion, and more.

The Atlantic County Library System will use a $24,500 grant to establish a digital literacy lab at its Egg Harbor Township branch, library officials announced Monday.

Plus, New York is investing in digital literacy, an area which is evolving as practitioners integrate AI skills; research suggests a “Dig Once” policy can save on broadband deployment costs; and more.

Backed by private enterprise, the program offers free classes to teach public housing residents about basic computer skills, artificial intelligence and other topics. It comes as a new mayor prepares to take over.

Plus, legislation could improve digital skills training in workforce development programs, the bipartisan Wi-Fi Caucus relaunched, digital literacy work continues at the local level, and more.

Plus, Congress calls on the Trump administration to follow the law for BEAD program funding, AI infrastructure increasingly plays a role in digital equity, stakeholders are calling for reforms to USF, and more.

Plus, Arizona has launched a permit finder to support BEAD deployments, legislation could streamline broadband projects, New Mexico is helping students across the state access the Internet, and more.

The Southern California city recently wrapped a series of workshops designed to teach residents digital skills. The initiative educated participants on how to use AI and how the city is using it.

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.