Digital Equity

As part of the Internet for All project, which aims to connect Americans to affordable high-speed Internet, a special program will bring new connections to Nevada homes and businesses.

Plus, more states see their digital equity plans accepted, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance unveils a low-cost plan model as an alternative to the ACP, and more.

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday asked a state commission to not approve the carrier’s application to end landline service in areas of its jurisdiction. Landlines are the only option for some residents who lack cell reception.

Competing at a national summit next month, the first five new companies recognized by Western Governors University Labs’ Accelerator Pitch Competition address critical challenges in education.

The Transportation Equity Index tool from the California Department of Transportation identifies key equity variables to aid in the evaluation of transportation projects. It's a web mapping application with several layers of data overlaid.

Infrastructure investment firm Meridiam will develop, build and run a $230 million network connecting 53,000 households and businesses in six counties. Developer Yellowhammer Networks, owned by Meridiam, will fund the project.

The Joplin City Council is considering a pact with Allo Missouri for citywide fiber-optic broadband. Joplin would contribute $4 million from an American Rescue Plan Act grant, and only eligible expenses would be paid from city funds.

Plus, Pennsylvania announces millions of dollars in new broadband funding, the FCC aims to expand Internet choice for residents of apartment buildings, and more.

Gov. Tim Walz has announced over $50 million in grants to expand broadband access to an estimated 8,900 homes and businesses throughout Minnesota, and Mower County is one of the recipients of that money.

AT&T has asked the California Public Utilities Commission to drop it as a “carrier of last resort,” which requires it to provide landline service in its coverage area. San Mateo County supervisors question the impacts to 911 and emergency services.

A new survey of Affordable Connectivity Program users detailed the financial hardships recipients face in affording broadband, and found more than half access government services online.

The Digital Equity Challenge invites individuals with ideas that address the Internet divide to enter the annual pitch contest, which will award $10,000 in cash prizes to the most promising solutions.

Missouri's statewide "Close the Gap" program offered low-income students up to $1,500 each through an online marketplace with hundreds of vendors, but it was stymied by technical glitches, price gouging and lack of inventory.

A library organization in Marin County has secured a grant from the California State Library to upgrade its Internet networking equipment, work that will involve replacing a core network system at one library.

In our interconnected world, lack of broadband feeds the digital divide within the United States, and if you think that doesn’t affect you, well, you’re wrong.

The state’s new Digital Equity Plan highlights goals and strategies to provide IT capabilities to all individuals and communities. It’s now being reviewed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Legislation requiring computer science instruction in California was referred to an Assembly committee last week. At a time when tens of thousands of computing jobs are available, most schools in the state don’t offer a single computer science course.

The Affordability Connectivity Program has subsidized broadband service for 23 million income-eligible U.S. households, but the program will run out of funding sometime in April unless Congress takes action.