Benton Institute for Broadband & Society - State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program

https://www.benton.org/blog/visions-digital-equity-principles

Author:

Kevin Taglang

Grace Tepper

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Tue, 09/12/2023

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Analysis

Visions of Digital Equity Principles

benton — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:34:35 +0000

Digital equity—or, digital opportunity, if you prefer—is having a moment. The US is making an unprecedented investment to ensure that individuals and communities have the capacity to fully participate in our society and economy. This is a huge undertaking with momentous implications on the future of the Nation. Each state has been asked to envision how life there can be transformed by achieving digital equity. As part of their digital equity plans, states have the opportunity to illustrate how ubiquitous, affordable connectivity to reliable, high-speed broadband will benefit communities through increased access to health care, education and job training, economic growth, and civic participation. With this extraordinary opportunity before state policymakers and local communities in mind, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society launched the Visions of Digital Equity project to aid both in ensuring that more community voices are heard in crafting visions that increase opportunity for all. Through surveys, community meetings, interviews, conversations, and a collaborative writing process with community contributors, we have arrived at a set of principles to help guide both the process and the resulting visions of digital equity. We hope these principles help the residents in each state evaluate their digital equity plans.

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https://www.benton.org/publications/visions-digital-equity

Teaser:

We’re asking states to articulate what success looks like when we achieve digital opportunity for all.

Source:

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

Author:

Adrianne Furniss

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Tue, 08/01/2023

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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.

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Benton Original Content

Teaser:

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

Source:

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

Author:

Grace Tepper

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Sat, 04/20/2024

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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:

Teaser:

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

Source:

telecompetitor

Author:

Phil Britt

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Tue, 04/16/2024

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Bridging the Gap: Can $90 Billion in Broadband Funding Close the Digital Divide?

benton — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 17:20:50 +0000

To connect more Americans, Congress designated a slice of the $1.2 trillion 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act), as well as a portion of the $350 billion 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that passed to provide financial relief during the COVID pandemic, to fund projects that would cross this digital divide. All told, the bills provide around $90 billion in funding for connectivity spread across a plethora of initiatives. The question remains: Will this colossal sum be enough to bridge the digital divide? If it doesn't connect every American, how many will be left out of the modern digital world? Some of the $90 billion has already been spent, but the largest chunk is waiting to be assigned state-by-state, providing a once-in-a-lifetime pile of money dedicated to solving a difficult problem with many thorny issues and piecemeal solutions.

Benton Content:

https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/bridging-the-gap-can-90-billion-in-broadband-…

Teaser:

Congress has a war chest of funding to connect every American left out of the modern digital world. Will it be enough?

Source:

C|Net

Author:

David Lumb

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Mon, 04/15/2024

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Daily Digest 4/12/2024

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Sun, 04/14/2024

Coverage Type:

Reporting

Agenda

Digital Equity/Digital Inclusion

Digital Divide

Digital Literacy

Federal Agency

Federal Communications Commission

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Broadband Programs

Affordable Connectivity Program (was Emergency Broadband Benefit Program)

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program

State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program

State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Level of Government

Federal

Marginalized Populations

Individuals who are Members of a Racial or Ethnic Minority Group

Individuals with a Language Barrier

Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals who primarily Reside in a Rural Area

Incarcerated Individuals

Low-income

Seniors/Aging Individuals

Veterans

American Samoa's BROADBANDiNEI Digital Equity Plan

benton — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 11:40:34 +0000

The American Samoa draft BROADBANDiNEI Digital Equity Plan—released by the Broadband Coordination, Opportunities, Redevelopment and Deployment (BCORD) Office—reflects priorities, strategies, collective needs, and opportunities identified through local coordination with regards to providing affordable, accessible, secure, equitable, internet-for-all. The concept of BROADBANDiNEI––information Network for Expansion and Inclusion––focuses on an island-wide initiative aimed to encourage the immediate transition to all things digital equitably thereby fostering a more efficient, productive, and resilient American Samoa. The BCORD office released its draft plan with this in mind; BCORD has made this plan open for public comment until April 15, 2024.

Benton Content:

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https://www.benton.org/blog/american-samoas-broadbandinei-digital-equity-plan

Teaser:

To ensure that all American Samoans have access to affordable, inclusive, accessible and secure resources and opportunities to become an effective part of the digital global village.

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Author:

Grace Tepper

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Fri, 04/12/2024

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

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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:

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted New Mexico's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

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

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:

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Illinois' Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

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

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:

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Mississippi's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

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Fri, 04/12/2024

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

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:

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Colorado's Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

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Fri, 04/12/2024

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