Benton Institute for Broadband & Society - Pennsylvania

Federal Communications Commission

Affordable Connectivity Program (was Emergency Broadband Benefit Program)

Internet/Broadband

Affordability/Cost/Price

Universal Broadband

Legislation

https://www.broadband.pa.gov/shapiro-administration-invests-204-million-in-feder…

Low-income

Headlines Specific Topic:

Benton Foundation

Shapiro Administration Invests $204 Million in Federal Funding to Provide 40,000 Homes and Businesses Affordable and Reliable High-Speed Internet Across

benton — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:28:50 +0000

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) approved $204 million in Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) grant awards to 53 projects in 42 counties across Pennsylvania that will connect 40,000 homes and businesses, bringing high-speed internet to over 100,000 Pennsylvanians. The grants, awarded to businesses and non-profits, will be matched by more than $200 million in private investment. The combined investment of more than $400 million will expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas of the Commonwealth. Funded through the federal Capital Projects Fund, the BIP awards grants for line extension and development projects, as well as large-scale regional infrastructure projects. Upon completion, projects must deliver service that meets or exceeds symmetrical download and upload speeds of 100 Megabits per second, with prioritization given to fiber-optic deployment. Projects are also required to include a viable sustainability strategy to maintain, repair, and upgrade existing networks to ensure their continued operation. Currently, 95 percent of the unserved and underserved households and businesses in Pennsylvania are in rural areas. Among the 42 Pennsylvania counties and more than 40,000 homes and businesses that will be served by these projects, rural areas in Adams, Blair, Cambria, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Perry, Mercer, McKean, Schuylkill, and Somerset will benefit from increased access and connectivity.

Benton Content:

Teaser:

Bringing high-speed internet to over 100,000 Pennsylvanians in 42 counties

Source:

Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority

Send date:

Fri, 04/19/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/18/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Fri, 04/19/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Department of Treasury

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Capital Projects Fund

Federal

Individuals who primarily Reside in a Rural Area

Pennsylvania’s Digital Equity Plan Accepted

zwalker@benton.org — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 20:24:53 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Pennsylvania’s Digital Equity plan. The Digital Equity Act, part of the Internet for All initiative and a key piece of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. The program aims to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. Using $1,604,130.00 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Pennsylvania created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state.

Benton Content:

https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/pennsylvanias-digital-equity-plan-acce…

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Pennsylvania's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Send date:

Wed, 03/27/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 3/26/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 03/26/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Digital Equity/Digital Inclusion

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program

State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program

Pennsylvania Broadband Director Talks BEAD

zwalker@benton.org — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:37:21 +0000

Pennsylvania will be getting $1.2 billion in Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program rural broadband funding, making it one of the top states in terms of the amount awarded. Telecompetitor spoke with Brandon Carson, executive director of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, about BEAD and other efforts to make broadband available throughout the state. Pennsylvania aims to deliver service to 236,000 unserved and 52,000 underserved locations. Carson points out that the most recent under/unserved numbers are down 40,000 locations; he attributes the reduction to significant recent private investment and the completion of some enforceable funding commitments. In its Volume II BEAD proposal, the Commonwealth outlines plans for two rounds of funding, with the first round soliciting proposals starting in the summer of 2024. Round one applicants will be required to cover at least 95 percent of eligible broadband serviceable locations in the proposed project area., which Carson hopes will maximize investments.

Benton Content:

https://www.telecompetitor.com/pennsylvania-broadband-director-talks-bead-cpf-an…

Teaser:

Pennsylvania will be getting $1.2 billion in BEAD rural broadband funding, making it one of the top states in terms of amount awarded

Source:

telecompetitor

Author:

Doug Adams

Send date:

Wed, 03/20/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 3/19/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 03/19/2024

Coverage Type:

Reporting

Digital Equity/Digital Inclusion

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

State

Individuals who primarily Reside in a Rural Area

Policymakers

Community Voices: Let’s expand equitable digital access

zwalker@benton.org — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:25:21 +0000

We are seeing a shift into a digital world. Internet access is increasingly becoming a requirement to participate in education, health care and the workforce. More and more, national companies are embracing the idea of virtual reality, and on the city level, we’re seeing growth in the use of social media and digital engagement more than ever before. We even consume our news mostly online. And, while this is an exciting and fast-paced shift, we MUST make sure that we are not leaving people behind as we grow. We need to work continuously to improve equity and access to digital services for the most vulnerable across our communities. An invaluable tool to help us ensure that digital equity and access has been the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program. To date, this program has served millions of American families. However, without an additional funding allocation, the resources dedicated to this program are projected to run out in April 2024, and at present, new applications are no longer being accepted. This is a huge setback, and we have to push back. I urge you to call on your congresspeople to pass the ACP Expansion Act.

[Ed Gainey is the mayor of the city of Pittsburgh]

Benton Content:

https://www.unionprogress.com/2024/03/03/community-voices-lets-expand-equitable-…

Teaser:

Internet access is increasingly becoming a requirement to participate in education, health care and the workforce and we must make sure we aren't leaving anyone behind

Source:

Pittsburgh Union Progress

Author:

Mayor Ed Gainey

Send date:

Wed, 03/13/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 3/12/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 03/12/2024

Coverage Type:

Op-Ed

Agenda

Upcoming policy issue

Federal Communications Commission

Affordable Connectivity Program (was Emergency Broadband Benefit Program)

Internet/Broadband

Affordability/Cost/Price

Legislation

Federal

Local/Municipal

https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2024/03/04/broadband-internet-westmoreland…

Low-income

Signing on: Westmoreland's 'high priority areas' soon to get online

zwalker@benton.org — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:12:07 +0000

Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring to bring internet service to four high priority areas of Westmoreland County (PA). Westmoreland County commissioners have partnered with Verizon to bring broadband service to 400 locations in parts of Derry, Fairfield and Ligonier townships that currently have no service. The total cost of the project is $3.5 million, with the county picking up $1.7 million, or 48 percent of the total cost, and Verizon contributing $1.8 million or 52 percent of the cost. Construction of the necessary infrastructure is expected to take a year, with county funding coming from Westmoreland’s share of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, economic stimulus legislation that was enacted in 2021. The sites without internet access were identified in a 2023 feasibility report. The next step in the Westmoreland Broadband Program is a competitive bidding process to identify internet service providers interested in partnering with the county to expand service to other places lacking adequate service. Contract awards are expected to be announced in early spring. Residents can find out whether their home has adequate broadband service by referring to the county’s new service area map.

Benton Content:

Teaser:

Westmoreland County (PA) commissioners have partnered with Verizon to bring broadband service to 400 locations in the county

Source:

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Author:

Kris Mamula

Send date:

Fri, 03/08/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 3/7/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Thu, 03/07/2024

Coverage Type:

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Coronavirus and Connectivity

County

Headlines Specific Topic:

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Tens of Millions of Dollars to Help Close the Digital Divide in Pennsylvania as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

zwalker@benton.org — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:56:55 +0000

The Biden-Harris Administration announced the approval of $20 million for digital connectivity projects in Pennsylvania under the US Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF). The award will fund Pennsylvania’s Digital Access Opportunity Grant program, through which the commonwealth will partner with community anchor institutions (CAIs) to increase access to laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and Wi-Fi devices to individuals in Pennsylvania. Devices will be available for use in home or public spaces, such as schools and libraries, through loan programs from CAIs. CAIs will also offer digital literacy training. Pennsylvania estimates this program will benefit approximately 12,000 individuals annually. The American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund provides a total of $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that expand economic opportunities and provide internet connectivity in communities with unmet needs. Through high-speed internet, multi-purpose community facilities, and digital technology investments, CPF funding is both closing the digital divide and bringing workforce, education, and health care services to communities in need.

Benton Content:

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2146

Teaser:

American Rescue Plan funding, administered by the Treasury Department, builds off of previous announcement of nearly $245 million for broadband infrastructure projects and multi-purpose community facilities in Pennsylvania

Source:

Department of the Treasury

Send date:

Mon, 03/04/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 3/1/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Fri, 03/01/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Community Anchor Institutions

Libraries

Healthcare Facilities

Schools/Universities

Department of Treasury

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Capital Projects Fund

Coronavirus and Connectivity

Federal

Headlines Specific Topic:

What's Your State's Digital Equity Plan?

benton — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:23 +0000

Monday, February 12, 2024

Digital Beat

What's Your State's Digital Equity Plan?

Tepper

To achieve true digital equity, deploying broadband to every household in the United States will not be enough. What is also needed are robust, comprehensive programs that address the human side of closing the digital divide and ensuring everyone has access to the technologies, skills, and opportunities necessary to thrive.

Digital equity is fundamentally concerned with promoting full participation in the digital economy and society by all. Achievement of digital equity requires strategic investments in human and community capacity.

Over the last seven months and with funding from the Digital Equity Act's State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have released draft digital equity plans for public review and comment.

Prior to these efforts, only California had developed a statewide digital equity plan. By creating their own plans, states can identify barriers to digital equity and outline specific measures aimed at addressing those barriers. Once these plans are approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), states will be able to apply for funds from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to implement those plans. NTIA required each plan to include a clear description of the state’s vision for digital equity in the context of its overarching strategy and goals.

The focus of the plans is...

The availability of, and affordability of access to, fixed and wireless broadband technology;
The online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services;
Digital literacy;
Awareness of, and the use of, measures to secure the online privacy of, and cybersecurity with respect to, an individual; and
The availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices.

...and how these objectives impact and interact with states':

Economic and workforce development goals, plans, and outcomes;
Educational outcomes;
Health outcomes;
Civic and social engagement; and
Delivery of other essential services.

Congress intended that the plans specifically address the barriers to digital equity faced by eight covered populations, including:

My team at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society has been reviewing the draft plans and providing brief summaries. Today we note that we've published summaries of all 52 plans and are sharing links to each of them below.

Plan Summary	State Office
Envisioning a Connected, Interconnected Alabama	Alabama Department for Economic an Community Affairs
Alaska's Plan to Address Broadband Adversity	Alaska Broadband Office
Centering Communities in Arizona's Digital Equity Plan	Arizona Commerce Authority
Developing Digital Skills and Opportunity in Arkansas	Arkansas State Broadband Office (ARConnect)
A New Chapter of Digital Equity Work in California	California Department of Technology
Coloradans at the Heart of State's Digital Access Plan	Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Everyone Connected: Connecticut's Digital Equity Plan	Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commission for Educational Technology
A Plan for Digital Equity in Delaware	Delaware Broadband Office
Florida's Roadmap for Closing the Digital Divide	Office of Broadband
Georgia's Plan for Digital Connectivity	Georgia Technology Authority
Aloha Spirit Inspires Hawai'i Digital Equity Plan	Hawai'i Broadband and Digital Equity Office at University of Hawai'i
A Digital Access Plan for All Idahoans	Idaho Commission for Libraries
The Plan for a Connected Illinois	Illinois Office of Broadband, Illinois Extension
A Plan to Transform Indiana's Digital Equity Landscape	Indiana Broadband Office
Addressing Digital Equity Needs in Iowa	Division of Information Technology
A Digital Equity Plan to Connect All Kansans	Office of Broadband Development
Kentucky Pursues Full and Equitable Digital Access for All	Department of Workforce Development
A Look at Louisiana's Draft Digital Equity Plan	Louisiana Office of Broadband Development & Connectivity (ConnectLA)
Maine's Vision of Digital Equity	Maine Connectivity Authority
Equity for the Digital Age: Maryland's Plan	Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband
Massachusetts' Unified Vision of Digital Equity	Massachusetts Broadband Institute
Communities Know Communities Best: Michigan's Digital Equity Plan	Michigan High Speed Internet Office
What a Digitally Equitable Minnesota Could Look Like—And How to Get There	Minnesota Office of Broadband Development
Digital Skills and Accessibility in Mississippi	Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM)
Missouri Pursues Sustainable Digital Opportunity Initiatives	Missouri Department of Economic Development
Montana's Digital Opportunity Plan	Montana Broadband Office
Creating Digital Opportunity in Nebraska	Nebraska Information Technology Commission
The Plan for Closing Nevada’s Digital Divide	Office of Science, Innovation and Technology
Equitable Participation in Today's Digital World: New Hampshire's Plan	New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs \| National Collaborative for Digital Equity (NCDE) \| University of New Hampshire Extension \| Digital Equity Research Center (DERC)
A Plan for Connecting New Jersey	NJ Office of Broadband & Connectivity
New Mexico's Plan for an Inclusive and Prosperous Society	Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE)
In a New York State of Digital Equity	ConnectALL
A Vision and a Mission for Digital Equity in North Carolina	North Carolina Department of Information Technology, Division of Broadband and Digital Equity
North Dakota's Collective Approach to Digital Equity	North Dakota Information Technology
Achieving a Digitally Inclusive Ohio	BroadbandOhio
Fulfilling Oklahoma's Digital Promise	Oklahoma Broadband Office
Oregon's Plan for Meaningful Broadband Access	Oregon Broadband Office
Connected and Empowered: A Digital Equity Plan for Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority
¡Su opinión cuenta! Puerto Rico Releases Initial Draft of Digital Equity Plan \| ¡Su Opinión Cuenta! Puerto Rico Pública el Borrador Inicial del Plan de Equidad Digital	Puerto Rico Broadband Program
A Wholistic Digital Equity Plan for Rhode Island	ConnectRI – the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Creating a Foundation of Digital Equity in South Carolina	Digital Opportunity Department
South Dakota's Plan to Leverage Digital Equity to Reach Economic Goals	Office of Economic Development
Tennessee Drafts a Digital Opportunity Plan	Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Guiding Texas' Digital Opportunity Investments	Texas Broadband Development Office
Achieving Digital Independence in Utah	Utah Broadband Center
Developing Digital Equity Solutions in Vermont	Vermont Community Broadband Board
Connectivity in the Commonwealth: Virginia's Plan	Department of Housing and Community Development
Washington State Sets Digital Equity Goals	Washington State Broadband Office
Working Towards Digital Equity in DC	DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer's (OCTO) State Broadband and Digital Equity Office
West Virginia's Plan to Conquer the Digital Divide	West Virginia Department of Economic Development
Wisconsin's Digital Equity Values	Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Wyoming Seeks Feedback on Digital Access Plan	Wyoming Broadband Office

Grace Tepper is the Senior Writing Associate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.

For subscribe/unsubscribe info, please email headlinesATbentonDOTorg

Kevin Taglang
Executive Editor, Communications-related Headlines
Benton Institute
for Broadband & Society
1041 Ridge Rd, Unit 214
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-220-4531
headlines AT benton DOT org

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State Profiles

52 Visions of Digital Equity—Your State Has One

benton — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:00:08 +0000

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Digital Beat

52 Visions of Digital Equity—Your State Has One

What's Your State's Vision of Digital Equity?

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have drafted their digital equity plans and sought public input on how to improve their strategies to ensure that every community has the capacity needed for full participation in our increasingly connectivity-dependent society, democracy, and economy. As part of their plans, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has asked states to provide a clear, specific picture of their visions for digital equity. The idea is to describe what success looks like, inform strategies, serve as a guide for setting goals and objectives, and determine the activities the state will prioritize in the Digital Equity Plan.

NTIA required that all digital equity visions address at least these two questions:

What will digital equity look like in the context of your state?
What are the broad goals that should be accomplished in executing this plan (e.g., improve rural health outcomes, increase underrepresented youth employment in technology-related fields)?

As states and their communities evaluate draft visions of digital equity, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society offers this checklist to help guide reenvisioning a state's goals for universal connectivity—visions that go beyond where wires can reach to where our communities can go if we're all connected.

Below are the draft visions of each of the states, DC, and Puerto Rico. This might be your first opportunity to see all these visions together, to compare and contrast them, and consider how your state's vision stacks up against the rest.

Alabama: To meet the needs of our 21st-century economy, the State of Alabama envisions a connected, interconnected future. In that envisioned future, all Alabamians—including those who are not currently connected or who face other barriers to digital opportunity—will have the opportunity to benefit from broadband internet, for purposes of economic opportunity, education, healthcare, and all the other ways the internet offers digital opportunity.

Alaska: Every Alaskan, as part of their quality of life, will have the digital tools, access, and skills to affordably participate online, wherever they are.

Arizona: A digitally equitable and inclusive Arizona where every Arizonan, regardless of their location or circumstance, has affordable, high-speed reliable internet and the tools, digital skills, and resources needed to thrive in the digital age.

Arkansas: By 2030, every person, family, and community in Arkansas–regardless of location and income–will have access to: 1) Affordable, reliable high-speed internet service in their homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions 2) The opportunity to enroll in basic computer skills training, 3) A computer, tablet, or mobile device. [follow the link for more]

California: A California in which all residents have access to high-performance broadband, affordable service and devices, and the training and support necessary to enable digital inclusion for economic and other social benefits.

Colorado: Every Coloradan has the connectivity, devices, and skills they need to thrive in our digital society and economy by 2028.

Connecticut: Connecticut’s vision for digital equity is for all residents to flourish across every aspect of life—from learning, working, and civic engagement to general well-being—with the assistance of technology tools and skills.

Delaware: The State of Delaware envisions a future where every individual, regardless of their location or background, has full access to high-speed internet connectivity and the tools necessary to harness its transformative potential. In this vision, urban and rural communities alike can fully participate in the digital economy.

District of Columbia: Every resident, every business, in every corner of DC can live, work, and thrive in the digital age—without bias or barriers.

Florida: The Florida Office of Broadband envisions a future where every Floridian benefits from a connected economy through the meaningful use of high-speed Internet—to enhance educational and employment opportunities, access telehealth, and engage with families, and local communities.

Georgia: Our vision for a fully connected Georgia is to ensure that every Georgian has reliable and affordable access to the internet along with the necessary tools and skills to unlock opportunities for educational advancement, economic success, improved health, and strengthened social ties.

Hawaii: All who call Hawai'i home have the confidence, ability, and pathways to thrive in a digital world.

Idaho: Idaho’s vision is to support all residents in thriving online through: 1) Digital literacy, cybersecurity, and technical support – providing curated tools and resources to Idahoans to increase digital skills and online safety. 2) Public services and resources – improving accessibility for Idahoans to connect and engage with local and state services. 3) Affordable broadband and devices – ensuring Idahoans have broadband and internet-enabled devices that fulfill their unique work, school, and life needs.

Illinois: Connect Illinois seeks to (A) ensure universal access to high-speed broadband that is affordable, reliable, and fully scalable for residences, businesses, and community anchor institutions (CAIs) across Illinois. At the same time, Connect Illinois plans to promote digital literacy, adoption, and inclusion while leveraging investment in new broadband infrastructure to spur advances in economic development, as well as innovation in healthcare delivery, education, and agriculture. At its core, the push toward universal access to high-speed broadband infrastructure is one of broadband equity: targeting resources to close gaps and expand opportunity for unserved and underserved communities throughout Illinois. The Connect Illinois digital equity programming and collaborations are a comprehensive approach designed to ensure the state (B) leverages new and existing resources for adoption through targeted digital inclusion strategies and sustainable broadband equity outcomes to help communities identify and address existing broadband equity gaps, and to (C) empower all Illinoisans to utilize and participate fully in an increasingly digital economy and society.

Indiana: Indiana residents trust and use innovative connectivity for improved quality of life, resulting in inclusive and resilient communities that ensure opportunities for all.

Iowa: All Iowans will have access to affordable high-speed broadband internet, useful devices, and the training and support in order to participate, contribute, and thrive in society.

Kansas: Ensure all Kansans can enjoy their universal rights to education, healthcare, employment, social services, and participation in the digital economy at home. These rights hinge on equitable access to quality and reliable high-speed broadband at affordable prices, the training required to support digital skills, and the devices and sustainable technical assistance needed to strive and thrive across the entire state.

Kentucky: Kentucky will be a place where all individuals, businesses, and communities have full and equitable digital access to pursue economic and personal opportunities.

Louisiana: Louisiana’s vision is that digital equity will be achieved for all residents and communities.

Maine: We envision a Maine where all of us, especially those traditionally underserved and facing more barriers to being connected, can take full advantage of the economic, educational, health, civic, social and other benefits that reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband can provide. By connecting everyone and ensuring that Mainers have the support and resources to realize the benefits of that connectivity fully, we can ensure there is a place for everyone to thrive in our economy and communities.

Maryland: The State of Maryland envisions a future where every individual, regardless of their location or background, has full access to high-speed internet connectivity and the tools necessary to harness its transformative potential.

Massachusetts: Every resident in Massachusetts has high-speed, high-quality internet availability and can confidently adopt and use the internet regardless of who they are or where they live. This universal connectivity will ensure that everyone has the support they need to enjoy full personal, civic, and economic digital participation throughout their lives with safety and security.

Michigan: The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office envisions a connected and inclusive state where every resident has an affordable high-speed internet connection available to them regardless of where they live, how much money they make, or what they look like.

Minnesota: A future where digital equity connects all Minnesota residents to opportunities, options, and each other.

Mississippi: Mississippi’s vision includes broadband accessibility for all citizens with numerous pathways for continued learning so all can partake of the incredible opportunities available in this digital age.

Missouri: The Missouri Office of Broadband Development strives every day to realize the vision of a Missouri where every citizen, regardless of their financial, geographic or demographic background, has access to the complete set of digital skills, technology, and resources necessary to realize their full potential within the digital economy.

Montana: The Montana Broadband Office’s vision is to narrow the digital divide in support of Montana’s economic, workforce, health, and educational goals by ensuring reliable, affordable internet access for all Montanans.

Nebraska: Nebraska will grow its economy and improve the lives of Nebraskans by ensuring that Nebraskans have access to affordable, quality broadband, appropriate devices and the skills to use technologies at home, in school, on the farm or ranch, in businesses, in health care, and in government.

Nevada: By 2029, all Nevadans have access to affordable, reliable, scalable high-speed internet, a connected device, and the digital skills and support needed to safely and securely work, learn, and thrive.

New Hampshire: Empower New Hampshire residents to thrive by enabling access to resources, skills, and other supports needed to participate in today’s digital world.

New Jersey: New Jersey's digital equity vision is for every resident to have the confidence and competence to harness the power of the internet, devices, and digitally accessible services. Digital equity can help New Jersey bridge economic and achievement disparities among all residents, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives with dignity.

New Mexico: The State of New Mexico envisions a future in which all residents, families, and communities have equal access to and meaningful use of digital tools, technologies, and information, regardless of their background, income, location, or abilities. This vision aims to bridge the digital divide, ensure inclusive participation in the digital age, and promote social and economic well-being for all residents. [see much more]

New York: Governor Kathy Hochul established the ConnectALL Office (CAO) in 2022 to transform New York State’s digital infrastructure so all residents and businesses have access to high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband for education, economic growth, and full participation in civic life.

North Carolina: We envision a future where all North Carolinians have access to high-speed internet and the digital tools, resources, and skills to fully and equitably participate in our society, democracy and economy.

North Dakota: Empower every North Dakotan, from our urban centers to the most remote regions of our state, with equitable digital access to be engaged with the opportunities of tomorrow.

Ohio: Our vision of a more digitally equitable Ohio extends beyond connectivity; it encompasses equal opportunity to access quality education, healthcare, job opportunities, government services, and cultural resources online. By fostering collaborative partnerships and empowering under-resourced communities to accomplish its goals, Ohio will ensure that no one is left behind.

Oklahoma: Oklahomans will have access to the information, resources, and skills needed to participate in society to the fullest and to remain competitive in a digital marketplace.

Oregon: It is the vision of the State of Oregon that all people in Oregon will have access to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband internet to attain positive economic, educational, and health outcomes and to participate in social and civic life.

Pennsylvania: To support a healthy and economically strong Commonwealth, every resident deserves to have digital dignity and confidently participate in our increasingly connected society.

Puerto Rico: Garantizar que todos los puertorriqueños, independientemente de su origen o ubicación, tengan acceso a los recursos y oportunidades necesarios para prosperar en el mundo digital y participar plenamente en la sociedad moderna. (Ensure all Puerto Ricans, regardless of their background or location, have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in the digital world and fully participate in modern society.)

Rhode Island: Rhode Island’s overarching vision and goal for statewide broadband and digital equity is to leverage a best-in-class, resilient, sustainable, and scalable broadband infrastructure to propel the state’s 21st century economic, education, healthcare, civic and social engagement, and quality of life, by ensuring all Rhode Islanders have access to affordable, accessible high-speed internet in their homes, at their places of employment, and at public facilities by 2027.

South Carolina: Our vision is for all South Carolinians to have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet and to gain the necessary skills to benefit from this technology.

South Dakota: Ensure every citizen will have access to affordable, future-proof, high-speed internet, along with the means to utilize it safely and competently.

Tennessee: Tennessee’s vision for digital opportunity is ensuring that all Tennesseans have access to affordable and reliable internet service, dependable technology, and the digital literacy skills necessary to empower individuals to fully access all digital opportunities.

Texas: Improve quality of life and promote economic growth by enabling fast, reliable and affordable broadband connectivity for all residents and businesses of Texas, promoting universal broadband adoption and providing access to digital skills development.

Utah: To realize a Utah where all are invited to fully participate in modern society through access to affordable high-speed internet, safe and reliable devices, and training to achieve digital independence.

Vermont: The State of Vermont seeks to ensure every individual in Vermont—regardless of identity, community, or economic challenges—has high-quality, accessible, affordable technology resources.

Virginia: Governor Youngkin’s vision prioritizes affordable, reliable, high-speed internet access, universally across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The vision to achieve universal broadband under the Digital Opportunity Program is to ensure that every Virginian has access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet service, as well as the opportunities necessary to fully participate in the economy and society.

Washington: Everyone in Washington has affordable broadband internet technology as well as the tools and skills needed to participate in our digital society before 2028.

West Virginia: Ensure that all West Virginians have the resources they need to participate in the digital world and achieve the economic benefits of digital equity.

Wisconsin: All Wisconsinites will have equitable access to affordable broadband service and the capacity to fully engage in a digital society. High-speed broadband will benefit all residents and communities.

Wyoming: Wyoming’s vision is to ensure that every citizen and business can connect to and effectively use affordable, reliable, and future-proof broadband.

For states' digital equity plans, see these summaries.

For subscribe/unsubscribe info, please email headlinesATbentonDOTorg

Kevin Taglang
Executive Editor, Communications-related Headlines
Benton Institute
for Broadband & Society
1041 Ridge Rd, Unit 214
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-220-4531
headlines AT benton DOT org

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Broadband Delivers Opportunities and Strengthens Communities

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