Digital Equity

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.

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.