Digital Equity

Plus, Hawaii students were recognized for their contributions to broadband data mapping work, a report shows more than half of New Yorkers use free public Wi-Fi, another shows progress in rural broadband expansion, and more.

Free public Wi-Fi hosted by cities is booming, boosting digital access. But as reliance grows, so do cybersecurity risks like "evil twin" attacks. Can cities truly make free Wi-Fi safe?

Plus, officials launched a new global coalition to support multilingual Internet access, advocates continue calling for the renewal of congressionally approved federal funding, one county will expand fiber Internet, and more.

State and local entities had already begun to receive grant awards to teach digital skills and provide connectivity and devices for underserved people, including K-12 students, when the program was canceled last week.

Plus, New York announced grants through its ConnectALL initiative, Albuquerque halted a fiber installation initiative after resident complaints, broadband legislation to support rural providers emerged, and more.

President Donald Trump has called for ending the Digital Equity Act, which Congress passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, referring to it as unconstitutional. Advocates respond and examine what that could mean.

Plus, new broadband legislation has been introduced, the BEAD program remains on hold amid pressure to expedite its review, Philadelphia has launched a laptop distribution initiative, and more.

Level Up Philly showcased Philadelphia high school students' tech skills at NASCIO, featuring VR and robotics demonstrations and highlighting the potential of youth from underserved communities for government technology roles.

Plus, New Jersey has launched a new grant program, a small California city has begun building its fiber network, a new report assesses federal broadband data gaps that could impact reaching universal connectivity, and more.

State accessibility officers convened at the NASCIO Midyear Conference with a call to action: State and local governments must prioritize upgrading their websites to meet impending federal accessibility deadlines.

New York City’s new pilot program, Neighborhood Tech Help, will deliver access to in-person technical support for affordable housing developments and community centers, to expand digital literacy.

Plus, Idaho will soon end its digital navigator helpline, an Illinois county is distributing software licenses for digital skills training, Cleveland State University supports digital skills and more.

Montgomery County in Maryland, part of the Washington, D.C., metro area, is in the midst of a five-year push to improve housing. A housing executive explains how new technology is helping to achieve that goal.

The Massachusetts capital has released results of an assessment to inform its 2025 Digital Equity Plan’s development. It outlines the city’s progress and offers suggestions to address remaining barriers to access.

The case management company, which helps people with disabilities find jobs, has hired gov tech veteran Mike Wons as CEO. He describes Libera’s newest Amazon-backed effort to improve its services.

Plus, new federal broadband legislation has been introduced, North Carolina has launched a new grant program, an apprenticeship program has been created in Ohio, and more.

The Maryland city is focused on doing grassroots work with local groups to get residents connected to the digital economy more effectively. Meanwhile, its middle-mile network sets the stage for greater consumer choice.

Plus, North Carolina announces broadband funding, Barriers to Broadband fellows will tackle several research projects, a campaign eyes device upcycling to drive online access, and more.