Digital Equity

Kiowa and Elizabeth, Colo., are the state's first communities to get high-speed Internet as a result of its nearly $1 billion allocation of federal broadband funds. The goal is to connect 99 percent of households statewide by 2027.

Plus, the industry reacts to a new Federal Communications Commission chairperson, a North Carolina partnership with 211 aims to connect people to information in an emergency, and more.

As part of its Connected Learning initiative to help address the digital divide, AT&T donated laptops through the nonprofit Human-I-T to be distributed to pre-selected college students in need.

Plus, Oregon announces more than $100 million in funding for broadband, more states have been awarded federal funding, a new report aims to support nonprofit organizations in their digital equity work, and more.

Francesca Ioffreda has a long list of job experiences that include consulting and economic development. She will lead a team funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies — an effort her new employer expects other states to imitate.

Buoyed by a $102,000 state grant, a City Council working group on digital equity is helping develop a plan to ensure improved access to technology. Officials are also working with residents on a digital equity plan.

Plus, additional states have been awarded federal funding from the Digital Equity Act; St. Louis, Mo., is installing free Wi-Fi in parks; Yolo County, Calif., preserves free digital literacy classes in Spanish; and more.

Winning cities in the 2024 Digital Cities Survey are not only modernizing their IT infrastructure — they're investing in digital equity programs, upgrading resident-facing services and prioritizing data security.

Plus, Massachusetts is investing in digital skills training; a partnership in Scranton, Pa., aims to create a universal network; the Federal Communications Commission looks to drive tribal participation in E-rate; and more.

Plus, Hawaii has launched a broadband mapping initiative, Boston has announced more than $1 million for digital equity, and more.

The Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center at Emporia State donated a pair of computers to the local senior center, and ESU students will provide monthly classes on topics such as scams and basic computer skills.

Plus, a federal digital equity program received hundreds of applications, a tracker illustrates the rising trend of digital service teams, new research quantifies the positive effects of fiber broadband on rural communities and more.

The Bay Area city is making high-speed Internet more accessible with projects focused on affordability and service delivery and aimed at closing the digital divide. A California Public Utilities Commission grant is among the funding sources.

Libraries taking part in a Digital Equity Pilot Project will bring on digital helpers to give residents free tech assistance and build online skills. A $250,000 national leadership grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services underpins the effort.

Plus, the U.S. Senate passes new broadband legislation, more federal broadband funding proposals get approved, Seattle launches an interoperable multilingual application process for low-cost Internet, and more.

Per capita broadband infrastructure funding is highest in rural states, a new report finds, even though the digital divide exists in all areas. Reviews.org examines funding states are receiving from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program.

Plus, Wisconsin has been awarded additional funding for digital equity causes, a new NTIA document offers guidance for native entities applying for Digital Equity Act funding, and more.

The NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition unveiled its 2024 Digital Equity Plan Summary, a comprehensive initiative designed to bridge the digital divide in several Washington counties, leaders said.