Digital Equity

In an effort to bridge the digital divide, library officials will be handing out hot spots, tablets and laptops. The devices were paid for by a $548,100 grant from the Federal Communications Commission.

A new report from the National Skills Coalition used data from 43 million online job postings to assess digital skills demand. The findings reveal that the vast majority of jobs now require some type of digital skills.

Plus, a bipartisan group of senators reintroduces legislation that would increase access to rural broadband; the Biden administration announces $33.5M of Internet grants for universities; and more.

The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded Coppin State University a $3.9 million grant that will support the expansion of broadband Internet access in West Baltimore, where access is less common.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced Thursday that $192 million in broadband funding would be awarded to the state for rural expansion efforts. The money is expected to expand coverage to an estimated 55,000 locations.

Roughly 116,000 homes and businesses in Maine do not have broadband service, according to federal data. The grants announced this week will expand service to more than 16,000 homes and businesses in nine counties.

Plus, Michigan’s High-Speed Internet Office launches a $238 million grant program to support connectivity in unserved areas, new research examines steps needed to close the digital divide in Black communities, and more.

Despite claims that states can close the digital divide in five years, digital equity is a long-term problem that requires long-term solutions, and states must plan accordingly.

The county’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance to become a certified Broadband Forward! Community. The designation is part of a state effort to encourage the development of broadband access across the state.

Pending state legislation includes bills for an ed-tech grant program, a commission on tech-enabled teaching and learning, solar panels in new construction, a CTE diploma and student privacy protections.

Four projects across three townships are being planned to expand Internet access, county officials announced this week. Ligonier, Fairfield and Derry townships will be seeing upgrades under the plans.

The North Carolina library system began handing out refurbished laptops to eligible adults in Mecklenburg County this week as part of the MeckTech program. The initiative is focused on boosting computer and Internet access.

Plus, Michigan launches a connectivity listening tour; Kansas announced $45 million in broadband funding for underserved counties; Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser signs digital equity legislation, and more.

The California Department of Technology has issued a budget change proposal that would allow for nine positions and $2.5 million from the state’s General Fund to develop and oversee the implementation of a digital equity plan.

As more of San Diegans' work, school and medical care take place online, rural communities are falling behind because of deficient broadband access, a new report from the county finds.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar this week released the Texas Broadband Development Map, which sought to identify the availability of various types of high-speed Internet access across the state.

The product launch from the firm comes as local and state governments focus more on accessibility and compliance issues. People with disabilities face significant challenges online, where many services have moved.

Plus, local leaders in Phoenix have teamed up to tackle digital equity in the region, registration is now open for the NDIA's annual Net Inclusion event, some stakeholders want more time on the FCC map process, and more.