Digital Equity

During a National Digital Inclusion Alliance webinar last week, experts explored several key tools and dashboards that help make data on the Affordable Connectivity Program more accessible to drive action.

A new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation calls on Congress to take several actions to support digital equity, including sustaining funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Plus, a cross-agency partnership in New Jersey is working to get more residents enrolled in affordable broadband programs, North Carolina is looking for participation in digital equity services, and more.

Thanks to years of updates, tools such as Power Point, Microsoft 365’s Present Live, Microsoft Immersive Reader and Google Translate have almost negated the need for extra teachers for English-language learners.

Plus, new research shows that broadband subsidy programs are helping to deliver affordable Internet; New York City continues to expand its Big Apple Connect program; a look at the Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0; and more.

The Cumberland County Commission committed $3 million to provide local matching funds for state broadband expansion grants. That money will be split between two Internet service providers.

With a mission to help future first-generation college students, the nonprofit AVID is giving member schools access to Packback’s AI-enabled writing tool, because writing can be a gateway to more advanced coursework.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has expanded access to a virtual learning platform for those in the state’s correctional facilities to improve the re-entry process and reduce recidivism.

While larger city residents may take for granted the access to high-speed fiber Internet, other residents of rural towns and villages in South Louisiana have long been faced with outdated and overpriced Internet.

Plus, the Biden administration works to make it easier for people with disabilities to access public services online; the FCC rolls out more Emergency Connectivity funding for schools; and more.

Today, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order to establish a chief IT accessibility officer role to improve the accessibility of the state’s digital services for people with disabilities.

According to a new report from UNESCO, "Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms," it will take more than money to bridge the digital divide, and more than technology to solve the problems of contemporary education.

Following the recent announcement of federal funding allocations from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, experts are weighing in on how to make the most of the opportunity.

Five communications companies took part in an event this week underscoring the more than $119 million worth of fiber broadband expansion that is being funded by state and federal funding sources.

Public utility districts in Douglas and Chelan counties plan to exchange miles of fiber cable for both fiber broadband networks to deliver high-speed Internet service to customers at an expected bargain.

Pennsylvania Gov. Touts Plans to Connect Rural Areas, Seniors

A statewide effort aimed at linking rural areas with more reliable broadband won't just target rural areas, but also senior citizens and low-income families statewide, Gov. Josh Shapiro said this week.

The Affordable Connectivity Program will likely run out of funding in 2024 if no action is taken to sustain it. Experts held a congressional briefing this week to discuss what the end of the program might mean.

Plus, organizations urge Congress to support legislation for rural communities; a report explores redundancies in federal broadband programs; and much more.