Digital Equity

The surge of government aid to expand broadband in Iowa is much needed, experts say, but the goal of universal coverage by 2025 remains formidable with the most challenging areas yet to enjoy high-speed Internet.

Liza Massey, CIO of Marin County, just north of San Francisco, discusses the intersection of digital and racial equity, and the importance of getting the community involved to push efforts forward.

Having moved into a new building last year, the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired uses technology to help students type in braille, enhance images or hear what's displayed on a screen.

As detailed in a 116-page newly released strategy, city officials in New York City are looking to proactively build ethics into machine learning and AI usage as the technologies become vital pieces of everyday life.

Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik is asking the Federal Communications Commission to step in and stop the New York state Department of Transportation from charging providers for high-speed Internet infrastructure.

Plus, the Federal Communications Commission has committed an additional $1 billion to the Emergency Connectivity Fund program, California looks to improve its procurement processes for tech services, and more.

Harris County, Texas, is turning to a managed private network to bring broadband connectivity to disadvantaged households. Officials hope the effort will increase access to distance learning.

Veteran public chief information officer Bill Kehoe wants to grow and streamline the citizen experience to match what they get in the private sector while also trying to get everyone connected.

Recent legislation in Alabama will allocate millions of dollars to boost math and science in rural districts, for example by partnering local teachers with virtual ones who will provide support and interventions.

Plus, a new report addresses ways the country’s largest county can get all of its citizens connected; San Jose, Calif., launches a new initiative to aid with Internet affordability; and more.

City officials this week allowed an electronic cooperative in Northeast Mississippi the option to use its utility poles to provide broadband services more efficiently to some Tupelo residents.

Under a recently proposed Wisconsin bill, lawmakers are considering the use of federal relief funds to create a grant program aimed at expanding the state's wireless broadband and cellular service.

Within about two years, East Hartford, Conn., expects to have the capacity to offer 10GB Internet speeds to every household and business. The project is possible due to a $40 million private investment.

To address racial and ethnic disparities, Massachusetts lawmakers are considering reducing Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority fares and shoring up Internet infrastructure with American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Despite calls to increase diversity in gov tech contracting, women and minority business owners still struggle to break through. A young incubator called Hutch offers lessons in how to get more voices into procurement.

After last year’s worldwide protests in the wake of high-profile racial injustice within U.S. policing, community leaders have prioritized equity. And within that, an increasing number of cities are turning to tech.

Students received a new Chromebook with 5G access built into the device. Those without access at home can access the Internet anywhere with these devices, making it easier to collaborate on projects.

These devices are part of the 1:1 Middle School Student Device Initiative in which the Edwardsville District 7 Board of Education hopes to provide devices to every middle school student by next school year.