Digital Equity

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.

Jennifer Ricker stepped down as secretary of the Department of Innovation and Technology on Monday. As her deputy, Brandon Ragle, takes over the role, Ricker reflects on her time in the position.

Plus, a new piece of legislation would create a digital equity division for Washington, D.C.; an Indiana data map includes 12 different digital equity variables within the state’s counties; and more.

Harris County Public Library has been supplying residents with free Google Chromebooks and T-Mobile 5G hot spots since February. So far some 40,000 hot spots and 15,000 laptops have been distributed.

In a push to expand broadband access to nearly all corners of the city, officials are using millions of dollars in American Rescue Plan funding to build out fiber-optic network infrastructure.