All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are currently working on digital equity plans. As they release draft plans seeking public feedback, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is sharing summaries focused on how states define their digital divides and their vision for reaching digital equity.

On January 9, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and ConnectRI initiative released the draft Rhode Island Digital Equity Plan for public comment. Through this plan, the Commerce Corporation is working to ensure that investment in digital equity efforts produces wholistic results—including widespread digital literacy and access to necessary devices as well as affordable, reliable, fast connectivity. The deadline for public comments on the draft plan is today, February 8, 2024.

Rhode Island's Vision of Digital Equity

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.

This vision is shared across Rhode Island’s ConnectRI initiative, which includes the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (Corporation), established to develop and manage the State’s Digital Equity Plan, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, and investments funded through the Capital Projects Fund (CPF). These programs are complementary, with BEAD and CPF funding being largely leveraged for expanding robust, affordable broadband services, while Digital Equity Act (DEA) funding generally covers the social components to ensure digital resources are accessible and inclusive to all. The Corporation will strategically combine and coordinate the use of the State’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant, BEAD allocation, and other funding sources to achieve this vision and its objectives for digital equity. The Corporation recognizes that the issues that the BEAD and DEA programs seek to resolve are interconnected, and therefore the success of either program is dependent on the success of the other—broadband infrastructure must be accompanied by digital equity activities, and digital equity must include affordable broadband deployment.

In this spirit, the Rhode Island Digital Equity Plan establishes a complementary set of goals and strategies for digital inclusion and equity, designed to align with the DEA’s Measurable Objectives categories, the elements of digital equity that states are required to document and promote among each Covered Population.

As the State’s Administering Entity for both BEAD and DEA programs, the Corporation will ensure the coordinated deployment of all federal funding sources to achieve these
goals and strategies. Rhode Island’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant will fund the Implementation Strategy activities outlined in this plan.

Covered Populations and Barriers to Digital Equity

Affordability was the most frequently cited challenge to broadband access by survey and focus group participants in Rhode Island; additional challenges included speed, service reliability, and overall satisfaction with internet service. Among Rhode Island Internet Connectivity Survey respondents, 15 percent said their service was affordable and 53 percent were dissatisfied with their current service. Additionally, 43 percent of respondents either did not have, or did not know if they are subscribed to, speeds that promise 100/20 Megabits per second (Mbps) service. Among these respondents, 68 percent would like access to service at those speeds.

The draft Digital Equity Plan details barriers faced by specific covered populations.

Individuals who live in low-income households

Only 64 percent of covered households are subscribed to broadband, with a similar rate (63%) of desktop or laptop ownership. Skills Rhode Island (SkillsRI) focus group participants identified reliable access to devices and connectivity, especially for youth and unhoused individuals, affordability concerns, even for borrowed devices, and the cost of device upkeep as barriers to digital equity. The lack of connectivity and devices, in addition to challenges such as housing and food insecurity, also become barriers to learning digital skills.

––– Rhode Island Regional Adult Learning Focus Group

Individuals with a Language Barrier

Those who are limited English proficient have a significantly lower broadband subscription rate (57%) and desktop or laptop computer access rate (48%) compared to statewide averages. According to the Rhode Island Department of Education's (RIDE) survey of Adult Education students, lower-level English Language Learners and learners in Adult Basic Education (which is designed to teach literacy skills) were cited as having the most significant barriers to participation in distance learning, including lacking a laptop or tablet, limited home internet service, or an inadequate phone data plan.

Among SkillsRI focus group participants, those with language barriers expressed difficulty paying for internet at speeds sufficient for their needs, a reluctance to use free Wi-Fi due to security concerns, frustration with outdated devices, and an over-reliance on family and friends for technical assistance support.

In terms of digital literacy, focus group participants mentioned their desire to build digital skills to increase their earnings, either by applying for jobs online or starting an online business. Focus group and Statewide workshop participants highlighted the challenges for immigrants and refugees to access digital skills training due to language barriers and the need for translated materials and instruction, in addition to the previously mentioned childcare and transportation barriers.

––– Digital Learning Instructors Focus Group

Aging Individuals

Aging individuals have lower broadband subscription rates (69% vs. 78%) and home desktop/laptop rates (72% vs. 80%) compared to statewide averages. SkillsRI focus group participants mentioned a number of barriers for aging individuals to participating in the digital world, including the lack of digital literacy and tech support, the lack of reliable broadband, and the lack of affordability.

Aging individuals who participated in SkillsRI focus groups had mixed feelings about the need for technology, but many are taking advantage of available classes and tech support. Skills they are interested in learning include using messaging and videoconferencing apps, such as Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, and Facebook Messenger, and learning more about social media, including distinguishing between public and private spaces and commenting.

Statewide workshop participants cited the need for digital literacy trainings and tech support for aging individuals; “smart home” technologies for independent living; and online privacy, safety, and cybersecurity awareness to avoid online fraud and scams. They also pointed to the benefits of technology for aging individuals, including captioning, live transcription and device features that support hearing and vision loss needs.

––– Cranston Senior Enrichment Center Focus Group

Incarcerated Individuals

Thirty-five incarcerated individuals participated in focus groups with SkillsRI. Participants noted that the lack of reliable access to broadband and computers are critical barriers to developing computer confidence and competence needed for successful re-entry. They expressed a desire to learn job-related digital skills, including basic keyboarding, email, resume writing, online job search and application, applying for housing and other benefits, online bill pay, and social media. However, a lack of classes and restrictions on technology make it difficult to pursue their education, and some shared that although they were digitally literate prior to their incarceration, they were falling behind in their digital skills due to the rapid pace of change.

The majority of focus group participants described the discharge planning process as insufficient for successful reentry, with many expressing limited knowledge of community resources and federal programs, including second chance Pell grants. Stakeholders mentioned the need for more digital skills and devices, as well as more user-friendly online public resources.

––– SkillsRI Department of Corrections Focus Group Report

Individuals who are Members of a Racial or Ethnic Minority Group

Rhode Island has a growing population of racial and ethnic minority communities. Between 2010 and 2020, the state’s Hispanic and Latino population grew by 39 percent, Black or African American population grew by 29 percent, Asian population grew by 32 percent, and American Indian and Alaska Native populations grew by 62 percent. Among Rhode Islanders who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups, 23 percent are in covered households.

Individuals who are members of racial or ethnic minorities have lower broadband subscription and home desktop or laptop rates compared to statewide averages. Among racial and ethnic groups, Black or African American residents, American Indian residents, and Hispanic residents have the lowest rates of broadband subscription. Black or African American residents, American Indian residents, and Hispanic residents also have the lowest rates among racial and ethnic groups of home desktop or laptop access and the highest rates of a smartphone as their only home computing device.

Statewide workshop participants described the need for culturally relevant curriculum for digital literacy and higher-quality connections in communities of color.

Veterans

Compared to statewide averages, veterans have lower broadband subscription rates (72% compared to 78%) and home desktop/laptop rates (77% compared to 80%). Statewide workshop participants and veteran-serving organizations interviewed described the need for tech support and group classes specifically for veterans to offer peer-to-peer support, more digital skills training for civilian job opportunities, and subject matter expertise in Veterans Affairs’ online benefits and health services. They also cited the need for raising awareness and training of telehealth and assistive technologies, especially for disabled or wounded veterans.

Since the majority of Rhode Island’s veterans are also aging individuals, they face similar barriers such as lacking digital literacy and having inadequate access to broadband or devices.

––– Community-Based Organization Interview

Individuals with Disabilities

Compared to statewide averages, individuals with disabilities have lower broadband subscription rates (63% compared to 78%) and home desktop/laptop rates (62% compared to 80%).

Statewide workshop participants cited multiple needs and barriers for individuals with disabilities, including the cost of accessible devices (including smartphones with user-friendly accessibility features), the need for appropriate assistive technologies, the lack of accessibility of online public services and resources, and the need for transportation to locations for trainings and basic access to technology. A need for digital navigators and trainers familiar with assistive technology and accessibility features in devices was also identified.

––– Statewide workshop participant

Individuals who Primarily Reside in a Rural Area

Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) classifies 18 of Rhode Island’s 39 municipalities as rural. Among residents of these municipalities, 29 percent are aging individuals.

Individuals residing in rural areas have high overall dissatisfaction with the quality and affordability of their current internet service, with only 16 percent reporting that their service is affordable and 67 percent reporting dissatisfaction with their service.

Stakeholders cited the lack of high-quality internet connectivity as the main barrier to digital equity for rural residents, impacting their ability to access employment, education, and health services. Individuals from rural municipalities emphasized the need for improved broadband infrastructure, with strong support for both fiber to the premises and wireless technologies.

––– Statewide workshop participant

Implementation Strategy and Objectives

The Corporation has identified key strategies and activities for achieving Rhode Island’s four digital equity objectives, addressing barriers experienced by Covered Populations and bridging gaps in current state and local efforts. Each objective is listed with the corresponding strategy in the draft plan.

Strategy 1: Create and align opportunities for Rhode Islanders to obtain the digital skills necessary to achieve the state’s priorities.

Objective Addressed:

Objective 1: Digital Skills and Online Safety—ensure all Rhode Island Covered Populations have the skills and support needed to utilize technology effectively and safely to improve their quality of life, access economic opportunities, and achieve their goals.

1.1. Provide technical assistance for digital skills integration into workforce training, education, small business support, and Covered Population-serving systems statewide.

The Corporation will evaluate the development of a technical assistance program to help the public secondary education system, workforce development organizations, housing providers, and Covered Population-serving organizations integrate digital skills training into their services. The Corporation will also integrate digital skills training into its existing technical assistance programs that support small businesses, including those designed to support Covered Population-owned businesses.

1.2. Invest in existing Covered Population-serving ecosystems to ensure all geographic regions (five counties) have access to comprehensive digital inclusion services.

The Corporation will design a plan to support organizations across all five counties to help increase their capacity, reach, effectiveness, and range of digital inclusion services, including digital navigation, foundational digital skill building, on-ramping to advanced digital skills and credentialing programs, and access to devices. To address stakeholder concerns and gaps in existing services, these services will be designed to include flexible hours and methods of delivery, culturally competent curriculum that is available in multiple languages, and a diverse range of skill-building from basic to advanced skills, including the use of assistive technology and accessibility features.

1.3. Incorporate online privacy and cybersecurity skill-building in all digital inclusion services.

Responding to the needs of Rhode Islanders, especially aging individuals and parents within Covered Populations, trainings on online privacy and cybersecurity will be incorporated throughout Rhode Island’s digital equity ecosystem.

1.4. Explore new family-sustaining career opportunities for Covered Population residents to deliver digital inclusion services.

The Corporation will coordinate among digital inclusion service providers, workforce development organizations, labor organizations, career and technical education, and postsecondary education systems to identify potential opportunities to train and prepare Covered Population residents to serve in roles such as digital navigators, digital skill trainers, device refurbishers, technical support and repair specialists, and broadband technicians. This approach expands Rhode Island’s technology talent pipeline by providing IT training, credentialing, and career opportunities to Covered Population residents, while also increasing trust within the communities they serve.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Number of highest-need Covered Population residents trained in digital skills programs for foundational skills.
• Number of programs providing training on digital skills related to state priorities such as health, education, and workforce development.
• Number of training programs for online privacy and cybersecurity.

Strategy 2: Increase access to affordable, high-quality, large-screen, internet-enabled devices and technical support for those devices that meet residents’ needs.

Objective Addressed:

Objective 2: Device Access—prioritize Covered Populations to achieve a goal of 95 percent of Rhode Island residents owning an affordable, high-quality, large-screen, internet-enabled device that meets their needs.

2.1. Identify and support partner organizations to provide devices, preparation and refurbishment, and help desk and technical support.

The Corporation will develop a plan for identifying, supporting, and investing in Rhode Island organizations that can serve as device partners to source, prepare, deliver, and support new and refurbished devices. Device partners can help manage each stage of the device lifecycle and integrate workforce development into their operations, in alignment with Activity 1.4. To implement this activity, the Corporation will look to involve organizations already offering IT training and credentialing, such as workforce development organizations, the postsecondary education system, and career and technical education programs.

2.2. Deploy devices through Covered Population-serving organizations and networks.

With the Corporation’s support, device partners will coordinate device deployment with organizations serving Covered Populations and those offering other digital inclusion services throughout Rhode Island. Deployment partners will ensure devices are received and effectively utilized by residents who need them most. The Corporation plans to prioritize device deployment to support digital skills training and the state’s goals in education, workforce development, health, and housing.

KPIs:

• Number of Covered Population-serving programs that provide devices and device technical support.
• Percent of Covered Population residents who own a large-screen, internet-enabled device.

Strategy 3: Build partnerships and coordinate funding for affordable high-quality broadband service for Covered Populations.

Objective Addressed:

Objective 3: Broadband—provide universal access to affordable, reliable broadband service and close broadband adoption gaps in Covered Population communities.

3.1. Explore the use of broadband infrastructure funds and other state funding sources to provide a statewide affordable housing broadband program.

Building upon Newport Housing Authority and Hi-Lo Neighborhood Association’s successful model, the Corporation will design a plan for providing free or low-cost broadband to Rhode Island’s public housing residents. According to data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 14,000 Rhode Islanders live in public housing in about 9,000 housing units, with most residents belonging to one or more Covered Populations. For example, 71 percent of households are extremely low-income, 55 percent include aging individuals, 46 percent are members of a racial or ethnic minority group, and 29 percent of residents have a disability. An additional 22,000 Rhode Islanders live in project-based Section 8 housing, with similar demographics.

The Newport Housing model offers an effective and efficient approach for addressing the broadband affordability needs of covered households and other Covered Populations served by public housing at scale. The Corporation will explore the use of broadband infrastructure funds and other state funding sources to replicate the model statewide.

3.2. Coordinate with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) on efforts to bring connectivity to the state’s correctional facilities.

The Corporation will coordinate with RIDOC to explore leveraging Rhode Island’s broadband infrastructure investments for connectivity at RIDOC facilities to increase access for incarcerated individuals.

3.3. Explore funding to sustain the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or other affordable broadband options.

While the Corporation has made significant strides in increasing enrollment, the federal ACP benefit currently lacks a long-term funding source. The Corporation will explore state, federal, philanthropic, and private funding sources to help ensure Rhode Islanders will continue to have affordable broadband options.

KPIs:

• Number of unserved and underserved locations connected to broadband (through BEAD).
• Number of CAIs connected to gigabit internet (through BEAD).
• Number of public and affordable housing properties and correctional facilities connected to broadband.
• Percent of eligible residents enrolling in ACP or other affordable broadband benefit programs.
• Number of ISPs providing low-cost service plans.

Strategy 4: Leverage the digital equity ecosystem to support Rhode Island’s Ongoing Digital Government Initiatives.

Objective Addressed:

Objective 4: Online Accessibility—ensure essential public resources and services have online accessibility, language access, and usability for Covered Populations.

4.1. Integrate online public resource assistance and feedback into digital inclusion services.

The Corporation will leverage digital inclusion partners engaged through Strategies 1 and 2 for improving access to online public resources. Digital inclusion partners will be equipped to assist community members with navigating key online public resources and applications. The Corporation will also develop a mechanism for partners to submit feedback from Covered Population residents to improve the accessibility of online public resources.

KPIs:

• Number of user-testing groups held with Covered Populations.
• Usability ratings for online public services among Covered Populations.
• Percent of state government websites meeting the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standard.

Strategy 5: Plan for long-term sustainability and continuity of services.

Objective Addressed:

All Objectives are addressed by this strategy.

5.1. Sustain and expand the state’s Digital Equity Working Group, transforming it into a coalition to advance digital equity for Rhode Islanders.

The Digital Equity Working Group (DEWG) formed during the state’s digital equity planning process has grown to 33 members representing a diverse set of organizations and stakeholders.

The Corporation will transform the DEWG into a coalition that engages all stakeholders working to advance digital equity in Rhode Island. The DEWG will provide a venue for collaboration and partnership, community input on digital equity programs, and promotion of new funding opportunities (including the upcoming federal Digital Equity Competitive Grant program). The Corporation will continually review, evaluate, and expand representation, with a focus on ensuring an inclusive process that results in a diversity of individual, organizational, and sector representation.

5.2. Leverage partnerships to integrate digital equity activities within existing regional, local, and statewide programs and initiatives.

The Corporation will identify new potential partners to integrate digital equity activities into community-based and Covered Population-serving programming, private sector efforts, and across government to grow the digital equity ecosystem. In particular, the Corporation will explore options with other state agencies and philanthropy for adding digital skills training, digital navigation, and device components to their existing grants and funding strategies.

5.3. Evaluate digital equity programs for impact on state priorities.

Strategies throughout this plan have been designed to address the digital divide and help Rhode Islanders advance in state priority areas, such as economic and workforce development, education, and health. As Digital Equity Plan strategies and activities are implemented, the Corporation will evaluate their effectiveness and impact on state priority outcomes, such as improved employment or educational outcomes among recipients of digital inclusion services. If these programs are found to be effective, evaluation results will shape the state’s ongoing investments in digital equity and ensure their sustainability.

KPIs:

All KPIs are addressed by this strategy.

Rhode Island Wants to Hear From You

The deadline for public comments on the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's draft Digital Equity Plan is February 8, 2024. Comments can be submitted via the ConnectRI public comment form. More information on digital equity in the state can be found on the ConnectRI website.

More in this series:

• A Plan to Transform Indiana's Digital Equity Landscape
• Equitable Participation in Today's Digital World: New Hampshire's Plan
• Digital Skills and Accessibility in Mississippi
• Addressing Digital Equity Needs in Iowa
• Centering Communities in Arizona's Digital Equity Plan
• The Plan for a Connected Illinois
• Developing Digital Skills and Opportunity in Arkansas
• A New Chapter of Digital Equity Work in California
• New Mexico's Plan for an Inclusive and Prosperous Society
• Everyone Connected: Connecticut's Digital Equity Plan
• Coloradans at the Heart of State's Digital Access Plan
• Connected and Empowered: A Digital Equity Plan for Pennsylvania
• Guiding Texas' Digital Opportunity Investments
• Florida's Roadmap for Closing the Digital Divide
• Creating Digital Opportunities in Nebraska
• Developing Digital Equity Solutions in Vermont
• Working Towards Digital Equity in DC
• Oregon's Plan for Meaningful Broadband Access
• Massachusetts' Unified Vision of Digital Equity
• Alaska's Plan to Address Broadband Adversity
• Georgia's Plan for Digital Connectivity
• 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
• 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.

---

© Benton Institute for Broadband & Society 2023. Redistribution of this email publication - both internally and externally - is encouraged if it includes this copyright statement.

---

For subscribe/unsubscribe info, please email headlinesATbentonDOTorg