Digital Equity

Concerned about fostering digital equity while expanding the number of Internet providers, the City Council put off voting on a proposal from GoNetspeed, which is pushing to install fiber conduit in the city.

Plus, a study explores the digital divide for tribal households in Michigan, a report indicates that better broadband data can improve deployment efforts, states are advancing with the BEAD program, and more.

Plus, an August broadband summit will convene digital equity stakeholders, the Rural Broadband Protection Act clears the U.S. Senate, New Jersey leverages grant funding to integrate digital literacy training, and more.

After studying ways to improve high-speed Internet for residents, Councilor Jose Delgado is proposing to seek bids from companies interested in upgrading Springfield’s digital infrastructure.

Plus, Washington state has appointed an interim broadband director, North Carolina has announced new leadership for the Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity, communities are leading digital adoption efforts, and more.

The high court preserved the Universal Service Fund, which finds its beginnings in the 1934 Communications Act. It includes E-rate, and is intended to ensure effective telecommunications across America.

Plus, proposed legislation aims to address rural broadband funding issues, states address federal funding cuts and program changes, Spectrum is investing in digital skills training, and more.

New federal funding cuts are impacting plans for high-speed Internet and digital inclusion work, leaving state broadband directors to explore alternate financing and other ways to move forward.

In naming a new director and deputy director for the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham chose two people with federal- and state-level experience in connectivity.

Plus, experts encourage including artificial intelligence skills in digital literacy programming, Tennessee libraries are getting funding to teach such skills, Maine launched a new device sharing program, and more.

Plus, Kansas is expanding Internet access and digital literacy, local governments in Ohio are investing in skills training, a new workshop series focuses on artificial intelligence use, and more.

Federal officials have unveiled widely anticipated revisions regarding the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. States had paused some activities in anticipation of the changes.

Plus, a second FCC commissioner has announced his departure, a survey reveals a major area lacking in digital accessibility efforts, local governments are expanding their fiber networks, and more.

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.