Georgia's Vision of Digital Equity

GTA's 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. This will create more connected, resilient, and prosperous communities and cultivate an environment across the state where the workforce can thrive, the infrastructure can support growth, and industries can continue to lead the way.

In that envisioned future, all Georgians will have access to the following five critical elements of digital connectivity:

1. Access to affordable, reliable internet connectivity at home and in their community
2. A computing device and the opportunity to maintain it
3. Opportunity to learn and apply digital skills
4. Tools and practical knowledge for safe online engagement
5. Accessible and usable online government and community resources for all abilities

To achieve this vision, the State of Georgia will adopt the following framework principles for its digital connectivity efforts:

1. Targeted impact on key populations for statewide growth: In conjunction with efforts for statewide broadband expansion, GTA recognizes the need for specialized outreach, support, and investments aimed at “covered populations,” as designated by the Digital Equity Act of 2021. These populations include low-income households, aging populations, incarcerated individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, people with language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, and rural inhabitants. To optimize impact and ensure efficient use of resources, focused investments will be directed toward initiatives aimed at enabling these populations to participate fully in society and the digital economy. Through this targeted approach, the state can nurture thriving, resilient communities throughout Georgia that are conducive to both economic growth and robust full civic participation for all residents.
2. Collaborate and strengthen partnerships: Digital connectivity work will require collaboration and partnerships. The Georgia community—inclusive of members with lived experiences, regional and local governments, internet service providers (ISPs), workforce organizations, philanthropic entities, corporate partners, community anchor institutions (CAIs), and community-based organizations—will actively partner to solicit ideas, insights, priorities, and lessons learned to strengthen the state's digital connectivity ecosystem. Georgia will prioritize identifying and addressing gaps to ensure equitable digital access and inclusion across its diverse communities.
3. Build on existing achievements and collaborations: As a statewide community, Georgia will leverage and benefit from the efforts of entities that have spent years developing expertise and capabilities in digital connectivity. Rather than attempt to replicate or re-create those capabilities, GTA  will enhance coordination among state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit partners. By sharing timely data, focused support, and helpful resources GTA aims to align collective initiatives with established local and regional digital connectivity plans. In this way, the State of Georgia will respect and amplify local and community experience and know-how, working to support its local government and nonprofit partners that have proven capabilities in digital connectivity.
4. Prioritize data and rigorous information gathering: Data will be Georgia's guide for informed and impactful actions. Through united community—which includes local and regional governments, state agencies, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector—Georgia recognizes the value in using data as a roadmap for effective action. These entities are encouraged to leverage data to make wise investment decisions, focusing funding on the regions and communities that most urgently require digital access and skills. These efforts will be enhanced by continually gathering, synthesizing, and updating data through tools like the Georgia Broadband Map, periodic surveys, and technical assistance. These synthesized data will guide smart investments in addressing digital connectivity gaps in the communities where our covered populations live and interact.
5. Smart growth for lasting impact: The goal is to support the development of programs that can expand and adapt, ensuring that all Georgians, including covered populations, remain connected. These programs should be designed for long-lasting impact, aligning with our vision of educational advancement, economic success, and community resilience across Georgia. By thinking forward in this plan, GTA is laying the groundwork for prosperous and resilient communities throughout the state.

To achieve this vision, the State of Georgia will aim to reduce barriers to digital connectivity to create conditions that enable all Georgians to equitably access and use the internet.

Covered Populations and Barriers to Digital Equity

Over 82 percent of Georgians belong to a covered population. The percentages of each covered population out of Georgia's total population are as follows:

• Individuals who live in covered households: 22.3 percent
• Aging individuals: 20.1 percent
• Incarcerated individuals: 0.9 percent
• Veterans: 5.8 percent
• Individuals with disabilities: 12.9 percent
• Individuals with a language barrier: 20.2 percent
• Individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group: 48.2 percent
• Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area: 34.6 percent

Broadband Adoption

Of all Georgia households that do not use the internet at home, an estimated 15 percent claim that a main reason for their lack of internet use at home is an inability to afford service. For the State of Georgia this is the second most reported barrier, suggesting challenges relating to the cost of service and the closely linked concept of reliability seem to be substantial obstacles to digital connectivity for many Georgians.

According to the American Community Survey, 92.3 percent of Georgia residents have a home internet subscription of any kind. This is close to the national rate of 90.3 percent. Georgia residents also have similar adoption of reliable broadband when compared to the nation. Over 77 percent of Georgia residents have a wireline home internet subscription, whereas the national rate is 75.5 percent. Wireline internet subscriptions tend to be more reliable than others, and therefore can represent a more meaningful measure of useful internet adoption.

Over 90 percent of individuals belonging to a covered population report having a home internet subscription as opposed to 97.9 percent of those outside of covered populations. The gap widens for wireline internet connections, for which 73.8 percent of individuals belonging to covered populations claim adoption compared to 86.1 percent of non-covered populations. Individuals living in low-income households constitute the covered population with the largest adoption gaps. Low-income individuals are 15.6  percentage points less likely than higher-income individuals to have a home internet subscription, 21.9 percentage points less likely to have a wireline internet subscription, and 4.8 percentage points more likely to only subscribe to a cellular data plan. Aging individuals, people with disabilities, and English language learners constitute three more groups with meaningful adoption gaps; they were 10.7, 12.3, and 9.4 percentage points, respectively, less likely to have a wireline internet subscription than their non-covered population counterparts.

Digital Literacy

In Georgia, 52 percent of residents without home internet cite a lack of need or interest in the internet as a reason why they do not use the internet in the home. This suggests digital skills programming may be the most impactful intervention for increasing internet usage in the state.

The State of Georgia has used data from the Current Population Survey and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Internet Use Survey to evaluate the extent to which various covered populations engage in key online activities, in addition to several other barriers. The key findings are as follows:

1. Georgia performs similarly to the nation in the frequency of online digital skill use and members of covered populations underperform compared to non-covered populations in the state.
2. Individuals living in low-income households, at or above 60 years of age, living with disabilities, or living in rural areas express the most urgent need for digital skills programming.
3. Georgia underperforms compared to the nation across almost all measured telemedicine-related online activities. Similarly, members of covered populations universally underperform across measured telemedicine-related activities compared to non-covered populations.
4. Individuals living in low-income households, racial or ethnic minorities, and individuals living in rural areas express the most urgent need for telemedicinal digital skills programming.

Telemedicine

Among Georgians belonging to covered populations, telemedicine is less frequently practiced compared to non-covered populations. These gaps are especially prevalent in communicating with a health professional over the internet (13.5 percentage point gap), researching health information online (10.9 percentage point gap), and accessing health or insurance records online (16.8 percentage point gap).

Among the covered populations, individuals living in low-income households and individuals living in rural areas exhibit the most urgent needs for increased telemedicine skills—based on both their reported frequency of participation in telemedicine (which is notably low) and given the difficulties in traveling long distances and at inconvenient times for rural and lower-income individuals. Georgia residents who are racial or ethnic minorities also participate less in telemedicine activities.

Adults at or above 60 years of age may also benefit from specific telemedicine education given their increased risk for medical needs, however, this group does not report a particular lack in telemedicine participation. Rather, aging individuals just outperform younger individuals across all measured telemedicine activities.

Two other covered populations, people with disabilities and veterans, outperform their non-covered counterparts, perhaps suggesting that telehealth resources in Georgia are accessible for people with disabilities and the efficacy of Georgia’s Veteran’s Affairs healthcare facilities.

Online Security and Privacy

In the past year, 13.1 percent of individuals in covered populations in Georgia report having been the victim of an online security or privacy breach. Identity theft and credit card fraud were the two online security risks that concerned the most Georgia residents. This is in line with the national ranking. Other concerns such as third-party tracking, government tracking, and online threats were of less concern.

Among the specific covered populations, people with disabilities, veterans, and individuals at or above 60 years of age tend to be the most concerned about these risks. Lower-income and racial or ethnic minorities express the least concern over these issues. Similarly, while it is not inherently beneficial to increase concern around privacy and security, online security education may increase awareness of these concerns in a positive way, especially for lower-income households and racial or ethnic minorities.

Device Adoption

The State of Georgia performs similarly to the nation in computer device ownership of any kind, with 94.6 percent of individuals claiming to have access to a computer in the house compared to 95.0 percent nationally. In Georgia, 82.9 percent of individuals have access to a desktop or laptop in their home, which is 2.4 percentage points above the national rate of 80.5 percent, but still leaves opportunity for growth.

Device ownership is reportedly stratified by membership in covered populations. For example, 99.2 percent of individuals not belonging to a covered population have access to a computer at home, while only 92.7 percent of individuals belonging to covered populations report the same access. This device gap grows when limiting the inquiry to desktop or laptop devices and tablets, to which members of covered populations are reportedly 13.6 and 13.8 percentage points less likely to have access at the home, respectively. Additionally, 8.5 percent of members of covered populations (compared to 4.1 percent of non-covered populations) report only having access to a smartphone at home. While this is technically counted as a computer device of any kind, a smartphone alone is insufficient for a myriad of key online activities.

Among covered populations, individuals living in low-income households display the most urgent need for adequate computer devices. Low-income individuals underperform every other covered population in ownership of computer devices of any kind, desktop or laptop computers, and tablet computers. People with disabilities and aging individuals also demonstrate somewhat urgent needs for adequate computer devices—with gaps between people with disabilities and people without disabilities of 13.3 percentage points and gaps between aging and younger individuals of 9.5 percentage points for laptop or desktop device ownership. These gaps might be explained by accessibility concerns regarding various devices.

English language learners also exhibit a particular need for device adoption. In addition to a 10.3 percentage-point gap between English language learners and fluent speakers, a notably outsized portion of English language learners only use a smartphone at home (14.8 percent). This is related to their tendency to only subscribe to cellular data plans, although it is unclear which factor influences the other. In either case, smartphone-only use is not sufficient for fully realizing the benefits of internet use.

Digital Equity Strategy and Objectives

Georgia's plan describes the digital connectivity implementation strategy and potential future initiatives of the state. These strategies include related activities and timelines, organized under each overarching key challenge.

Key challenge: Lack of broadband availability

Strategy 1: Increase access to residential broadband infrastructure

• Execute Capital Projects Fund Program
  • Extend last-mile broadband infrastructure throughout the state.
  • Timeline: 2023 to 2026 (consistent with American Rescue Plan Act requirements)
• Execute the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program
  • Extend last-mile broadband infrastructure throughout the state.
  • Timeline: 2023 to 2030 (consistent with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act BEAD requirements)
• Invest in the development and expansion of broadband infrastructure.
  • Expand broadband access in unserved areas that are hub zones, federal opportunity zones, and communities densely populated with low-income individuals.
  • Timeline: 2023 to 2030 (consistent with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act BEAD requirements)

Strategy 2: Expand collaborative efforts as broadband progresses

• Award points for connecting community anchor institutions (CAIs)
  • Support extension of symmetrical gigabit capabilities to CAIs that provide internet access to covered populations by including points for such commitments in BEAD Program scoring.
  • Timeline: 2023 to 2026 (consistent with ARPA requirements)
• Pending BEAD funding availability, execute connectivity to qualifying CAIs
  • Extend symmetrical gigabit capabilities to CAIs throughout the State.
  • Timeline: 2023 to 2030 (consistent with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act BEAD requirements)
• Facilitate local workforce talent in broadband infrastructure deployment projects and tech roles
  • Partner with local employers and educational organizations to integrate newly trained community members into broadband infrastructure and tech initiatives. Establish a seamless pathway from skills development to local employment, thereby strengthening the community’s digital ecosystem.
  • Timeline: 2023 to 2030 (consistent with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act BEAD requirements)
• Use public access channels and Georgia Broadcast Radio Services to disseminate information about digital connectivity initiatives
  • Leverage existing public media networks, including public access channels and Georgia Broadcast Radio Services, to broadcast timely and relevant information about broadband expansion projects, digital literacy initiatives, and available resources for the community.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter
• Utilize innovative solutions for target groups that are difficult to reach
  • Expand community engagement for unconnected communities to engage with constituents using mobile, telecom and virtual platforms, enabling multi-lingual public outreach and communication.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter

Key Performance Indicators

• Every Georgian can access 100/20 Mbps at home, with a baseline of 90 percent, a short-term goal of 95 percent and a long-term goal of 98 percent
• Every Community Anchor Institution can access 1/1 Gbps, with a short-term goal of 95 percent and a long-term goal of 98 percent
• Spur broadband subscription statewide through a holistic awareness campaign, with a baseline of 81.3 percent of all residential locations in the state subscribed, a short-term goal of 86 percent and a long-term goal of 90 percent
• Spur a significant increase in broadband subscription for Georgians living in counties with the highest digital inequities, with a baseline of 80.2 percent of locations subscribed to broadband in targeted counties, a short-term goal of 85 and a long-term goal of 90

Key challenge: Low-income households struggle to afford broadband services, devices, and technical support

Strategy 1: Partner with ISPs and community stakeholders for improved broadband affordability and device accessibility

• Develop educational materials
  • Provide content and support for educational campaigns among organizations that focus on the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and low-cost ISP programs as well as for localities, CAIs, and nonprofits that have not previously worked to extend ACP and ISP-offered discount program enrollment.
  • Timeline: Ongoing (initiated in 2022)
• Encourage ISP partnerships for ACP enrollment drives
  • Encourage ISPs to partner with localities, CAIs, and nonprofits to develop ACP and low-cost ISP program enrollment drives and initiatives.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter
• Fund library and other CAI-based ACP enrollment drives
  • Provide funding for libraries and other CAIs that offer ACP/low-cost program enrollment drives for eligible households.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Require grantee low-cost offerings
  • Build requirements and enhanced scoring for affordable service offerings into all broadband infrastructure grant programs.
  • Timeline: 2023 to 2025, with monitoring and enforcement thereafter
• Encourage ISP low-cost offerings
  • Work with ISPs throughout the state to encourage the adoption and expansion of low-cost offerings for lower-income households.
  • Timeline: Ongoing (initiated in 2022)

Strategy 2: Expand device ownership initiatives

• Develop an ecosystem for devices
  • Create an ecosystem where new and used devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, desktops) can be collected, refurbished, and distributed. This involves partnerships with manufacturers, retailers, private and public industry, and device refurbishers to make the device lifecycle sustainable and accessible for all community members.
  • Timeline: 2024 and thereafter
• Provide technical support for device maintenance
  • Establish a dedicated helpline and online support center manned by tech volunteers and professionals. This will serve the double purpose of job training and providing essential support to new device owners to ensure the longevity of their devices. Include multilingual support to serve non-English speakers.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter
• Provide device access for the incarcerated population and justice-impacted individuals
  • In collaboration with the Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Public Safety, and related entities, provide secure internet-enabled devices to incarcerated and other individuals impacted by the justice system. These devices will support educational modules, facilitate virtual mental health appointments, and enable access to resources for effective societal reintegration. This targeted approach prioritizes education, healthcare, and resource accessibility, utilizing technology to meet essential objectives efficiently.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter

Strategy 3: Leverage CAIs to expand community-level device access

• Support ACP device benefit enrollment
  • Work with partners to assist eligible households in obtaining laptops, desktops, or tablets at a subsidized rate through ACP, ensuring affordable access to essential devices.
  • Timeline: Ongoing (was initiated in 2022)
• Fund library-based tech support
  • Provide funding for libraries to offer technical support for library users.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Develop device lending program partnerships
  • These Anchor Institutions will serve as accessible distribution points for loaner devices, enabling cost-effective technology access and fostering digital literacy among Georgians, regardless of personal device ownership.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Support device access and technical support for aging individuals
  • In partnership with Anchor Institutions such as senior centers and libraries, make internet-enabled devices available to individuals, including those with disabilities. These hubs will also offer digital literacy training, enabling members of covered populations to navigate telehealth services, stay socially connected, and access essential online resources. This streamlined approach ensures that technology is not just distributed but effectively utilized, reinforcing our commitment to comprehensive digital inclusion for all age groups and abilities.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant

Strategy 4: Prioritize and prepare for broadband and digital inclusion in counties with the highest digital inequities

• Develop a weighted scoring model to analyze and identify areas of intersection of multiple factors
  • A weighted scoring model will help to pinpoint areas where layered socioeconomic challenges amplify the digital divide. By deeply understanding these intricacies, we can tailor our digital connectivity program development, ensuring that our initiatives directly address the nuanced needs of these specific communities.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter
• Implement a "Train-the-Trainer" model using expertise
  • Connect localities with experts for mutual training and knowledge sharing. Engage a full range of partners in varied areas of digital connectivity, including its intersecting factors like income, housing, health, and education to enable these communities to address multifaceted challenges and optimize community-wide digital engagement.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter
• Fund community-based digital skills training
  • Provide funding for libraries to offer digital skills training, based on standardized and tested curricula that reflect cultural appropriateness.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Amplify outreach through comprehensive resource distribution
  • Disseminate informational materials, toolkits, and playbooks across various marketing channels to share expertise, best practices, and guidance. Emphasize marketing and outreach of programs and services, ensuring even the hardest-to-reach communities gain access and awareness of available digital connectivity resources.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter

Key Performance Indicators

• Boost ACP enrollment, with a baseline of 38 percent of eligible households participating in ACP, a short-term goal of 52 percent and a long-term goal of 66 percent
• Increase the percentage of ISPs that offer low-cost products for lower-income households, with a baseline of 64 percent of ISPs that offer low-cost products for lower-income households, a short-term goal of 75 percent and a long-term goal of 95 percent
• All Georgians have access to a workable computing device, with a baseline of 93.2 percent of all survey respondents who report that they can’t fix a broken computing device, a short-term goal of 95 percent and a long-term goal of 98 percent
• Members of covered populations have access to a workable computing device, with a short-term goal of 95 percent of all covered populations who report that they can’t fix a broken computing device within a month and a long-term goal of 98 percent
• Georgians in need can access affordable device options through digital connectivity organizations, with a baseline of 76.8 percent of households that have a desktop or laptop computer, a short-term goal of 80 percent and a long-term goal of 85 percent
• Georgians in need can access affordable device options through digital connectivity organizations, with a baseline of 4 organizations that provide desktop or laptop computers for ownership, a short-term goal of 5 and a long-term goal of 6
• Increase device loaner programs and public computer labs through CAIs serving covered populations, measured by the number of CAIs that have device loaner programs and the number of CAIs that have public computer labs

Key challenge: Covered populations need support to develop digital skills

Strategy 1: Develop a foundational digital skills framework for all Georgians

• Create a digital skills guidebook with digital competency benchmarks
  • Compile a comprehensive guidebook that will outline the standardized digital competency benchmarks, providing a practical reference for educational institutions, training centers, and individuals for digital skill assessment and development.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Develop a toolkit for residents and nonprofits for accessing internet-related resources
  • Provide guidance regarding best practices, expertise, and partnership opportunities to localities and nonprofits to develop and expand existing programs that provide free devices to lower-income households.
  • Timeline: 2024 and thereafter
• Integrate digital financial literacy into the statewide digital skills framework
  • Integrate digital financial literacy into digital skills framework to address the growing importance of online financial management. Through partnerships with financial institutions and content experts, this initiative aims to ensure that all Georgians are equipped to manage their personal finances safely and effectively in a digital environment.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Standardize cybersecurity and privacy guidelines in the digital skills framework
  • Integrate a cybersecurity and privacy section into the digital skills framework, covering topics like strong passwords, phishing scams, and secure browsing. Collaborate with local experts for content, utilizing resources from the National Cyber Security Alliance and Georgia Cyber Center.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Integrate digital civic engagement within the digital skills framework
  • Introduce digital civic engagement principles into the digital skills framework, highlighting its role in informed community participation. Utilize adaptable resources and case studies to underscore the real-world impact of digital civic involvement, ensuring diverse populations understand and harness the power of inclusive digital citizenship.
  • Timeline: 2024 and thereafter

Strategy 2: Empower covered populations with digital healthcare skills

• Expand regional telehealth capacity and accessibility
  • This multi-stakeholder initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and efficacy of telehealth services in areas with limited healthcare access by pooling expertise from a variety of organizations, university health organizations, health-focused nonprofits, and state agencies. Through targeted outreach, equip low-income and aging populations with the skills needed to effectively access and use telehealth services, improving healthcare quality and access.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter
• Develop specialized literacy programs focusing on HIPAA-compliant digital skills
  • Develop and launch specialized digital literacy workshops that include training on HIPAA-compliant skills for using electronic health records, patient portals, and telehealth platforms. Through partnerships, government agencies, health-based non-profits and healthcare providers can ensure content is both accurate and in line with compliance requirements, thereby safeguarding the privacy and security of health information.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Support essential health information access for transient populations such as justice-impacted individuals and housing-insecure veterans
  • Establish a secure platform to grant transient populations like justice-impacted individuals and housing-insecure veterans’ access to essential health information. In collaboration with state agencies, offer digital navigation assistance to help these groups effectively manage their healthcare needs, all while adhering to privacy regulations.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Support tech-enabled health literacy partnerships
  • Collaborate with educational and healthcare stakeholders to amplify health literacy, especially on preventative care, chronic disease management, nutrition, heart disease, and diabetes. Harness technology through webinars, kiosk info-stations, mobile health units, tailored apps, interactive websites, and virtual workshops to make critical information accessible and engaging.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter

Strategy 3: Foster online safety and privacy awareness within digital literacy

• Fund community-based training
  • Provide funding for community organizations to offer training regarding online safety and privacy, based on standardized and tested curricula that reflect cultural appropriateness.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Utilize statewide cybersecurity resources for integrated digital skills training
  • Use Georgia's position as a cybersecurity hub to create a workforce that is prepared for cyber threats. By partnering with cybersecurity companies, educational institutions with Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE) designations, and military cyber units like the Army Cyber Command at Fort Gordon, we can provide integrated digital skills training. This will not only improve safety online for those we serve but also help grow Georgia's $2.6 billion cybersecurity sector by developing a highly skilled workforce.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter
• Run a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and online privacy
  • Initiate a public awareness campaign that promotes safe and informed digital engagement by highlighting important aspects of cybersecurity and online privacy. The campaign utilizes educational materials and digital media platforms to reach a wider audience, with the goal of mitigating potential risks and improving security awareness among the covered populations.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant

Strategy 4: Empower community organizations for comprehensive digital literacy

• Establish collaborative digital literacy and technology certification programs with educational Institutions
  • Partner with HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, technical colleges, workforce nonprofits and K-12 CTAE departments to offer customized digital literacy and tech certification courses. This collaborative effort leverages the strengths of diverse educational organizations, ensuring multi-generational digital skill-building across Georgia’s varied communities.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter
• Reinforce existing initiatives and identify partnership opportunities
  • Leveraging the state digital skills framework, facilitate partnerships among local organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to ensure a coordinated and scalable approach to digital literacy.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Provide wraparound services with digital literacy training through partnerships
  • Complement digital literacy training with wraparound services by working with partners who provide services such as mental health support, childcare, and transportation. By offering a holistic approach, this activity aims to remove barriers to digital connectivity, ensuring that individuals not only acquire digital skills but also have the support needed to apply them effectively.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Launch community digital literacy bootcamps
  • Organize intensive, short-term Digital Literacy Bootcamps hosted by local organizations that focus on imparting essential digital skills. These bootcamps will use hands-on, participatory learning methods to help participants from all age groups understand how to navigate the digital landscape, including online security and privacy measures.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Develop a Digital Navigator volunteer corps
  • Establish a volunteer network comprising tech-savvy individuals and professionals who can offer in-person or virtual support for digital literacy activities. This corps will assist local organizations in running workshops and troubleshooting sessions, particularly aimed at covered populations, to help them overcome unique and intersectional digital challenges.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Implement flexible learning spaces for inclusive access
  • Utilizing wireless capabilities and remote learning tools in local learning spaces can offer flexible educational opportunities and promote digital literacy initiatives in underserved communities. This approach can be scaled to accommodate individuals with different constraints, such as reliance on smartphones, physical abilities, or transportation. Having a physical resource that can be accessed both in-person and virtually is an asset as it establishes a statewide presence and creates the potential for collaboration and support with a wider range of communities throughout the state.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter

Strategy 5: Enhance digital literacy through youth and adult education platforms

• Leverage STEM and Computer Science as platforms for digital literacy enhancement
  • Integrate STEM and Computer Science, guided by the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for Computer Science, into in-school and out-of-school programs. Providing equipment, curriculum, and support will enhance digital literacy skills, including computational thinking and digital citizenship, among youth and adults.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter
• Leverage Georgia’s thriving arts and media sectors to boost digital literacy across generations
  • Partner with Georgia’s thriving creative industries and Department of Economic Development to support programs that resonate with both youth and adults and boost digital literacy. For youth, the focus is on sparking interest in tech through digital arts, tapping into their native “digital language.” For adults, it’s about upskilling and reskilling with a creative twist, aligning with career opportunities in the $62.5 billion creative economy.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter
• Establish community-driven peer-to-peer digital skill-building opportunities
  • Low-income households, English learners, aging populations, and racial and ethnic minorities can especially benefit from peer learning. This is because it fosters trust, relatability, and a sense of community. With digital skills, peer learning can reduce fear, as learners often feel more comfortable and less intimidated when guided by someone with whom they can relate and share common experiences. These experiences can evolve into leadership opportunities, with peers becoming trainers and leaders themselves. This model ensures skills are both gained and passed on.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter
• Integrate digital skills curricula and assessments into existing job training and job placement services
  • Tailored programs will equip low-income individuals, the incarcerated population, individuals with low literacy, and English learners with essential digital skills, alongside traditional job training, to ensure holistic career development and economic advancement.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter

Key Performance Indicators

• Design and develop a statewide digital skills framework, measured by a digital skills framework to be developed by 2025 and updated by 2027
• All Georgians can effectively use the internet, with a baseline of 11.3/14 key digital skills performed, a short-term goal of 12/14 skills, and a long-term goal of 13/14 skills
• Members of covered populations can effectively use the internet, with a baseline of 10.9/14 key digital skills performed, a short-term goal of 12/14 skills, and a long-term goal of 13/14 skills
• All Georgians can access information or training to learn how to protect their security online, with a baseline of 83 percent of all survey respondents who say they are confident they can protect their security online, a short-term goal of 85 percent and a long-term goal of 90 percent
• Members of covered populations can access information or training to learn how to protect their security online, with a baseline of 81 percent of all covered population survey respondents who say they are confident they can protect their security online, a short-term goal of 85 percent and a long-term goal of 90 percent
• All Georgians can access information or training to learn how to protect their privacy online, with a baseline of 80 percent of all survey respondents who say they are confident they can protect their privacy online, a short-term goal of 85 percent and a long-term goal of 90 percent
• Members of covered populations can access information or training to learn how to protect their privacy online, with a baseline of 76 percent of all covered population survey respondents who say they are confident they can protect their privacy online, a short-term goal of 85 percent and a long-term goal of 90 percent
• Enable opportunities for members of covered populations to learn how to protect their security and privacy online, measured by the number of digital literacy programs that include foundational cybersecurity training and a cybersecurity guide in collaboration with state agency partners
• Enhance digital health literacy in covered populations, measured by an established network of organizations offering digital health navigation and literacy training
• Expand digital literacy through community collaborations, measured by the number of entities that serve covered populations offering foundational digital skills and advanced technology skills training
• Increase digital skills program enrollment and proficiency among covered populations, measured by the percentage increase in enrollment in digital skills programs among covered populations and the overall proficiency assessment scores for digital skills among covered populations.
• Enhance workforce development related to broadband expansion and digital connectivity programs, measured by the percentage of individuals, including those from rural communities, enrolled in broadband-related workforce programs, the number of entities offering technology certifications that serve covered populations, and the number of participants in specialized training for those seeking advanced digital skills (post-secondary education) and cybersecurity careers

Key challenge: Ensuring digital inclusivity as Georgia advances in digital services

Strategy 1: Improve universal design and accessibility in public digital resources

• Develop and distribute accessibility guidance
  • Provide guidance to state and local agencies regarding best practices for website design and maintenance that align with accessibility standards and that enable cost-effective use of critical support tools.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter (effort already underway)
• Improve universal design and accessibility in public digital resources
  • In collaboration with GTA Digital Services, state agencies, and elected officials, conduct audits to improve website accessibility and ensure universal design standards are met. This initiative aims to provide a seamless digital experience for all Georgians across various internet-enabled devices.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter (effort already underway)
• Enhance accessibility and awareness of assistive technology
  • Leveraging existing resources like the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS), as well as other assistive and information technology assets to forge partnerships with nonprofits and interagency collaborators, to broaden the reach and impact of assistive technologies. This multifaceted strategy prioritizes not just technological access but also robust outreach and awareness programs, facilitating seamless adoption and effective use by individuals with disabilities and the aging population.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter

Strategy 2: Train Digital Navigators specialized in assisting covered populations

• Partner with community-based organizations to employ Digital Navigators
  • Deploy a network of Digital Navigators in key community spaces such as libraries, schools, and healthcare facilities. These navigators will guide individuals through digital resources, helping to close digital gaps and enhance community-wide digital literacy.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Develop specialized Training for Digital Navigators
  • Develop and implement a targeted training program for Digital Navigators, focusing on the unique needs of veterans, the aging population, and other covered populations. These specialized navigators will offer tailored support to overcome barriers and enhance digital literacy.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Develop Digital Navigators with specialized IT support skills
  • Leverage Georgia’s existing resources and partnerships to equip individuals with specialized IT support skills for roles in community helpdesk services. Targeting covered populations, this initiative aims to develop a cadre of Digital Navigators proficient in delivering culturally competent and effective IT support. The program offers a two-fold benefit: increasing digital literacy and problem-solving skills in underserved communities, while simultaneously creating viable employment opportunities in the expanding helpdesk support sector.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter

Key Performance Indicators

• All Georgians can access government services online, with a baseline of 91 percent of all survey respondents who say they are very confident using the internet to access government services online, a short-term goal of 95 percent and a long-term goal of 98 percent
• Members of covered populations can access government services online, with a baseline of 90 percent of all covered population survey respondents who say they are very confident using the internet to access government services online, a short-term goal of 95 percent and a long-term goal of 98 percent
• Align state and local government websites to accessibility standards and usability guidelines, measured by the number of state and local government websites aligned with digital standards
• Widen the accessibility and awareness of assistive technologies, measured by the number of locations where assistive technologies are available
• Train and deploy specialized Digital Navigators within community spaces serving covered populations, measured by the number of Digital Navigators (volunteers, interns, or employees) at nonprofits, libraries, schools, community centers, etc.

Key challenge: Local communities lack resources and expertise for digital connectivity efforts

Strategy 1: Build collaboration among state, local, and nonprofit entities

• Develop a comprehensive digital connectivity ecosystem
  • Unify state agencies, regional planning commissions, local governments, and nonprofits to establish a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances digital connectivity across Georgia. This initiative will consolidate human, physical, and technological resources, ensuring equitable high-speed internet access and promoting digital literacy among all Georgians, especially in underserved communities.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter
• Local digital connectivity plan development and implementation
  • Leverage the collaboration among state agencies, regional planning commissions, local governments, and nonprofits in the digital connectivity ecosystem to support the development and implementation of local digital connectivity plans.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter
• Convene partners
  • Build structures for stakeholders to work together across the state and across different demographics to share best practices, lessons learned, digital connectivity expertise, and resources to support those who face the greatest barriers to digital connectivity as well as to help organizations leverage capabilities and help partners that serve particular regions or specific covered populations.
  • Timeline: 2024 and thereafter
• Establish community-driven support networks and services to assist individuals in connecting, learning, and troubleshooting digital issues
  • Localities and local community organizations are the lifeblood of work in digital connectivity. It is at the local level that community needs are best understood—and community members are best able to effect change. We therefore seek to support development at the local level of expertise
    and staffing to work on digital connectivity initiatives and to enable communities to prioritize the efforts and goals that are best suited to their unique circumstances.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter

Strategy 2: Support and develop local capacity through a statewide consortium

• Fund local Fellows
  • Provide funding for local and/or regional Digital Connectivity Fellows, hosted by GTA to enable the development of local plans and initiatives.
  • Timeline: 2024 to 2029, based on the availability of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant
• Convene and connect funding stakeholders for digital connectivity
  • Bring together community stakeholders with funders to support initiatives that close the digital divide. This collective approach facilitates a deeper understanding of digital connectivity needs, and in turn, engages philanthropic, social investment organizations, and foundations to contribute resources and funding for programs across the state.
  • Timeline: 2024 and thereafter
• Provide grant writing support
  • Provide grant writing support and technical assistance to localities, nonprofits, and Anchor Institutions that seek to compete for NTIA’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant funds in 2025
  • Timeline: 2025
• Integrate digital connectivity objectives into existing strategies
  • Align state agencies and local municipalities by incorporating digital connectivity goals into existing plans. This unified approach optimizes Georgia’s resources, ensuring high-speed internet access for all while fostering cohesive, statewide digital connectivity efforts.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter

Strategy 3: Sustain and grow the State’s efforts in digital connectivity

• Infuse broadband and digital connectivity considerations into related areas
  • Develop materials to enable understanding of how to use digital connectivity as a lens when making program decisions and prioritizing investments.
  • Timeline: 2024
• Adapt and secure funding for emerging digital connectivity needs
  • Engage community stakeholders and funding partners in an ongoing dialogue to anticipate and adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape. By integrating state and local budgets, as well as tapping into federal grant opportunities, we ensure Georgia's digital connectivity initiatives are not only current but also sustainably funded. This collaborative approach attracts consistent support from philanthropic, social investment organizations, and foundations, empowering Georgia to stay at the forefront of digital connectivity advancements.
  • Timeline: 2025 and thereafter
• Collect, analyze, and publish relevant data to demonstrate changes in digital connectivity metrics and outcomes
  • Publish relevant data analytics to guide nonprofits, ISPs, and philanthropy regarding potential impactful investments.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter (this effort is already underway)
• Provide grant writing resources
  • Provide grant writing support and technical assistance to localities, nonprofits, and Anchor Institutions that seek to compete for NTIA’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant funds in 2025.
  • Timeline: 2025
• Fund research and development and invest in best practices for digital connectivity
  • Employ an evidence-based approach to identify and invest in digital connectivity best practices. Utilizing data and insights, we will collaborate with local initiatives to make informed, transparent decisions that can be scaled statewide.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter

Strategy 4: Create a repository of digital connectivity insights

• Provide map information
  • Develop a digital connectivity dashboard, using digital connectivity data and the Georgia Broadband Map to serve as a dynamic resource for policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to better understand and address the state’s digital landscape.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter
• Provide asset information
  • Our asset inventory is a comprehensive catalog that lists and categorizes available technology resources, labs and hubs, digital literacy programs, partner organizations, and best practices. Periodically updating this inventory ensures that communities have current and accurate information to identify potential collaborators and adopt effective strategies.
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter
• Develop education and informational resources
  • Work with collaborators to design and share data and informational resources promoting internet safety, ACP and ISP-offered low-cost program awareness, and device donation and refurbishment, and develop online resources on digital connectivity best practices for reference by partners statewide
  • Timeline: 2023 and thereafter

Strategy 5: Leverage digital connectivity to empower opportunities for workforce and economic advancement

• Support technology certification programs
  • Partner with Georgia’s private sector, MBEs, nonprofits, and educational institutions to offer technology certification programs. This initiative specifically targets covered populations like low-income households, veterans, and racial and ethnic minorities, aiming to upskill them in high-demand, emerging tech sectors.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Establish workforce development programs that recruit and train individuals for broadband-related occupations
  • Coordinate with state agencies, educational institutions, and employers, targeting unserved and underserved communities, this initiative will equip local participants with both the technical and soft skills required for success in broadband-related occupations. Recognizing the unique skill sets needed in this industry—from cloud support to customer service— this initiative will prepare candidates for immediate roles but also for long-term career growth within broadband and adjacent sectors. The goal is to match candidates’ existing and future value to job requirements, providing an economic ladder right in the communities where they live.
  • Timeline: 2023 to 2030 (consistent with IIJA BEAD requirements)
• Build partnerships with industry, government, and education sectors for technology-based economic development
  • Optimize existing resources, such as grants, infrastructure, and expertise within Georgia’s technology ecosystem, to spur technology-driven economic growth. Aligning with state agencies and local businesses, we will identify and scale innovative projects that promise high economic yield. The focus will be on nurturing startups, upskilling the workforce, and facilitating public-private partnerships, particularly in underserved areas. The goal is to transform digital inclusion into sustainable economic development.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter
• Expand post-secondary opportunities
  • Leverage Georgia's digital platforms like gafutures.org, to streamline post-secondary preparation. These platforms, supported by state-endorsed resources and departments, provide essential guidance on academic pathways, technical education, and special needs accommodations. By focusing on self-advocacy and providing tools for adaptation, these opportunities help students be well-prepared for a smooth transition to higher education and beyond.
  • Timeline: 2026 and thereafter
• Provide resources for digital financial literacy
  • In collaboration with local agencies and community organizations, we will initiate a Digital Financial Literacy effort focused on aiding Georgians in navigating the costs associated with digital connectivity. The initiative aims to directly contribute to individual economic stability and career opportunities by fostering informed and targeted information and resources to help individuals make cost-effective choices for internet and device options, while also encouraging broader financial stability.
  • Timeline: 2027 and thereafter

Key Performance Indicators

• Establish local digital connectivity plans, with a baseline of one county digital connectivity plan, a short-term goal of 20 and a long-term goal of 50
• Establish a statewide digital connectivity consortium, with a baseline of zero consortium convening events per year, a short-term goal of 6 and a long-term goal of 8
• Establish a digital connectivity insights hub, measured by a digital connectivity insights hub on the Georgia Broadband Program website
• Increase the engagement and participation of localities in DCA, GTA, or other organizations’ technical assistance programs, measured by the percentage of
  localities that participate in technical assistance programs
• Monitor the financial sustainability of digital connectivity efforts, measured by the amount of funding secured by stakeholders annually for digital connectivity initiatives, distinguishing between state, local, federal, and philanthropic sources.

Georgia Wants to Hear From You

Georgia is accepting public comments on the draft Digital Connectivity Plan until, December 8, 2023. Commenters can use GTA's online form to submit feedback. For more information on Georgia's work to close the digital divide, visit the Georgia Technology Authority website.

More in this series:

• In a New York State of Digital Equity
• A Plan for Digital Equity in Delaware
• Equity for the Digital Age: Maryland's Plan
• North Dakota's Collective Approach to Digital Equity
• A Plan for Connecting New Jersey
• Achieving a Digitally Inclusive Ohio
• A Digital Access Plan for All Idahoans
• Envisioning a Connected, Interconnected Alabama
• Missouri Pursues Sustainable Digital Opportunity Initiatives
• A Digital Equity Plan to Connect All Kansans
• South Dakota's Plan to Leverage Digital Equity to Reach Economic Goals
• Aloha Spirit Inspires Hawai'i Digital Equity Plan
• The Plan for Closing Nevada’s Digital Divide
• Wisconsin's Digital Equity Values
• ¡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
• Kentucky Pursues Full and Equitable Digital Access for All
• Tennessee Drafts a Digital Opportunity Plan
• Washington State Sets Digital Equity Goals
• West Virginia's Plan to Conquer the Digital Divide
• Rhode Island Works to Bring Broadband to All Residents
• Wyoming Seeks Feedback on Digital Access Plan
• Communities Know Communities Best: Michigan's Digital Equity Plan
• Montana's Digital Opportunity Plan
• Achieving Digital Independence in Utah
• Maine's Vision of Digital Equity
• A Look at Louisiana's Draft Digital Equity Plan

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.

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