Benton Institute for Broadband & Society - Gender

Initial funding for digital equity plans is available. But how do states plan to use it?

zwalker@benton.org — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 21:30:59 +0000

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently finished approving digital equity plans for all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington (DC) in what Administrator Alan Davidson called a “milestone moment.” The grants announced in the March 29 notice of funding opportunity can be used to begin implementation of those plans, which identify the barriers in each state to accessing and using digital resources and establish measurable objectives for promoting access and use of broadband technology. Based on analysis of the digital equity plans, states are broadly facing the same challenges in getting their residents online. The biggest of those is ensuring that broadband internet is affordable. Many states, including Kansas, Maine and Nevada, had planned to rely on the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, which provides low-income households with a $30-a-month subsidy to pay for internet access. In addition to making broadband affordable, states said another challenge is that many residents lack the digital skills to take full advantage of the technology, and as a result, are prevented from making “meaningful use” of the internet.

Benton Content:

https://www.route-fifty.com/infrastructure/2024/04/initial-funding-digital-equit…

Teaser:

Reliance on the ACP could force some states back to the drawing board

Source:

Route Fifty

Author:

Chris Teale

Send date:

Tue, 04/23/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/22/2024

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Not Available

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Publish Date:

Mon, 04/22/2024

Coverage Type:

Reporting

Achieving Digital Equity in the U.S. Virgin Islands

zwalker@benton.org — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:14:21 +0000

The U.S. Virgin Islands' Next Generation Network (viNGN) released the draft U.S. Virgin Islands Digital Equity Plan (USVIDEP) for public comment. Being disconnected from a connected world is not new to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The USVIDEP presents an ambitious approach to how the Territory can become "digitally resilient" and fully participate in this digital age through intentional investments in affordable, reliable internet; devices; opportunities to develop digital skills and access technical support; inclusive, online territorial resources; and how to be safe online. The vision of the USVIDEP is to create a Territory that is digitally resilient. One where Virgin Islanders have access to the same range of digital resources as Mainlanders, without having to leave the Islands to “experience the internet.” To achieve this ambitious vision, the USVIDEP strives to ensure that all Virgin Islanders have affordable, high-speed internet—both in their homes and at the places where they gather; and the digital tools, devices, resources, and cyber protection to fully participate in an evolving digital world.

Benton Content:

Benton Original Content

https://www.benton.org/blog/achieving-digital-equity-us-virgin-islands

Teaser:

The vision of the USVIDEP is to create a Territory that is digitally resilient

Source:

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Author:

Grace Tepper

Send date:

Sat, 04/20/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/19/2024

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Publish Date:

Fri, 04/19/2024

Coverage Type:

Analysis

All States Now Have NTIA-Approved Digital Equity Plans

zwalker@benton.org — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 17:59:03 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has now accepted digital equity plans from all 50 States, DC, and Puerto Rico. The latest plans to be accepted were from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico and Utah. The Digital Equity Act, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), made $2.75 billion available to promote digital equity and inclusion, with the intention of ensuring that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. NTIA launched the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program on March 29. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), states and territories can apply for funding from the program to begin implementation of their accepted digital equity plans.

Benton Content:

https://www.telecompetitor.com/all-states-now-have-ntia-approved-digital-equity-…

Teaser:

All 50 US States, DC, and Puerto Rico now have NTIA approved Digital Equity plans

Source:

telecompetitor

Author:

Phil Britt

Send date:

Tue, 04/16/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/15/2024

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Not Available

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Publish Date:

Mon, 04/15/2024

Coverage Type:

Reporting

New Mexico’s Digital Equity Plan Accepted

zwalker@benton.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:07:09 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted New Mexico’s Digital Equity plan. Using $740,534.91 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, New Mexico created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state. NTIA has accepted digital equity plans from all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico. On March 29th, 2024, NTIA launched the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their accepted digital equity plans.

Benton Content:

https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/new-mexicos-digital-equity-plan-accept…

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted New Mexico's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Send date:

Fri, 04/12/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/11/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

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Publish Date:

Thu, 04/11/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Illinois’ Digital Equity Plan Accepted

zwalker@benton.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:05:19 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Illinois’ Digital Equity plan. Using $1,515,352.64 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Illinois created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state. NTIA has accepted digital equity plans from all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico. On March 29th, 2024, NTIA launched the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their accepted digital equity plans.

Benton Content:

https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/illinois-digital-equity-plan-accepted

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Illinois' Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Send date:

Fri, 04/12/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/11/2024

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Not Available

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Publish Date:

Thu, 04/11/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Mississippi’s Digital Equity Plan Accepted

zwalker@benton.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:03:24 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Mississippi’s Digital Equity plan. Using $875,585.61 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Mississippi created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state. NTIA has accepted digital equity plans from all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico. On March 29th, 2024, NTIA launched the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their accepted digital equity plans.

Benton Content:

https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/mississippis-digital-equity-plan-accep…

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Mississippi's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Send date:

Fri, 04/12/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/11/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

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Publish Date:

Thu, 04/11/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Colorado’s Digital Equity Plan Accepted

zwalker@benton.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:01:36 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Colorado’s Digital Equity plan. Using $897,119.02 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Colorado created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state. NTIA has accepted digital equity plans from all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico. On March 29th, 2024, NTIA launched the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their accepted digital equity plans.

Benton Content:

https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/colorados-digital-equity-plan-accepted

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Colorado's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Send date:

Fri, 04/12/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/11/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

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Publish Date:

Thu, 04/11/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Utah’s Digital Equity Plan Accepted

zwalker@benton.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 21:59:36 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Utah’s Digital Equity plan. Using $676,684.53 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Utah created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state. NTIA has accepted digital equity plans from all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico. On March 29th, 2024, NTIA launched the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their accepted digital equity plans.

Benton Content:

https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/utahs-digital-equity-plan-accepted

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Utah's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Send date:

Fri, 04/12/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/11/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

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Publish Date:

Thu, 04/11/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Iowa’s Digital Equity Plan Accepted

zwalker@benton.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 21:57:32 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Iowa’s Digital Equity plan. Using $708,924.00 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Iowa created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state. NTIA has accepted digital equity plans from all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico. On March 29th, 2024, NTIA launched the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their accepted digital equity plans.

Benton Content:

https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/iowas-digital-equity-plan-accepted

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Iowa's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Send date:

Fri, 04/12/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/11/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

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Publish Date:

Thu, 04/11/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

A Holistic Vision for Digital Skills in the Heart of the Midwest: How Illinois is Investing its Digital Equity and Broadband Funds

zwalker@benton.org — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:32:37 +0000

The federal Digital Equity Act and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program will collectively send more than $1 billion to Illinois, and state officials have been working for more than a year to lay out their roadmap for implementation. The State Digital Equity Plan describes how Illinois officials envision supporting broadband adoption, digital devices, and digital skills, while the BEAD 5-year Action Plan and Initial Proposal Vol. II lay out the state’s plans for building out broadband access and increasing affordability and adoption for the 12+ million residents of Illinois. Some highlights of the plan include: