Digital Equity

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.

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.