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Round-Up for the Week of January 21-25, 2024

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.

The Arizona Commerce Authority's draft Digital Equity Plan, released in January 2024, represents the culmination of a year-long, statewide collaborative effort, marked by attentive listening to the voices and feedback of communities across the state. The plan is rooted in robust data collection and crafted to be responsive to the distinct needs of each region and covered population, ensuring that every individual and community is not only represented, but centered. Arizona's draft Digital Equity Plan is open for public comment until February 1, 2024.

Arizona's Vision of Digital Equity

The Arizona Commerce Authority's draft plan envisions:

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

The draft plan's mission is:

To bridge the digital divide and promote digital equity across Arizona, the state is committed to ensuring universal broadband availability through infrastructure investments, supporting affordable broadband plans for all Arizona families, ensuring at least one internet-enabled device per household, and providing inclusive digital skills training. Arizona will build digitally equitable ecosystems through strategic initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and community-responsive solutions. This work will specifically look at strategies to support Arizonans with the highest rate of digital inequity, such as those who fall into one of the covered populations as defined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Covered Populations and Barriers to Digital Equity

Of Arizona’s 7,278,717 people, 5,808,000 (79.8%) fall within the covered populations as determined by NTIA. Additionally, 5.2 percent of the Arizona population are in households lacking fixed broadband availability and 11.1 percent of the Arizona population are in households lacking computer or broadband subscription. The Arizona Commerce Authority reports that 21.1 percent of the Arizona population is not using the internet, and 38.2 percent of the Arizona population is not using a PC or tablet computer.

The estimated percentages of each covered population in Arizona are as follows:

• Individuals who live in low-income households: 24 percent
• Aging individuals: 22 percent
• Incarcerated individuals: 0.63 percent
• Veterans: 6.6 percent
• Individuals with disabilities: 13.4 percent
• Individuals with a language barrier: 8.1 percent, including individuals who are English learners; and have low levels of literacy (24 percent)
• Individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group: 46 percent
• Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area: 14 percent

Barriers to Digital Equity Across Arizona

Surveys and stakeholder engagement conducted by the Arizona Commerce Authority revealed these top barriers to digital equity among respondents:

• Internet Cost (60%): Cost was the top concern, with the majority of respondents indicating that the cost of internet service is a significant barrier. This underscores the importance of addressing affordability issues to promote broadband adoption
• Internet Stability (59%): Almost as prevalent as cost, concerns about internet stability highlight the need for reliable connections, especially in areas where the infrastructure may be less developed.
• Concerns about Online Safety/Privacy (56%): Worries about online safety and privacy rank high, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns.
• Distrust of the Government (40%): A substantial portion of respondents expressed distrust in government initiatives. Building trust and transparency in government-led broadband programs is crucial to the implementation of equity plans moving forward.
• Access to Support Services (40%): Access to support services, likely related to digital literacy and assistance in navigating the online world, is a significant concern that must be addressed to bridge the digital divide.
• Distrust of the Internet (32%): A notable proportion of respondents distrust the internet itself, possibly due to concerns about misinformation or scams. Efforts to combat online mistrust are essential.
• Device Access (24%): While not as high as other barriers, the lack of access to devices is still a noteworthy concern, particularly for low-income households. It is important to consider that not all devices are equally equipped for all online needs.
• Computer Skills (18%): The need for digital skills training is evident, as a significant minority of respondents indicated a lack of computer skills.
• Physical Limitation (12%): A smaller percentage noted physical limitations as a barrier, which could include mobility issues that affect their ability to use digital devices effectively.

The Arizona Commerce Authority provides a detailed look at the barriers each covered population in the state faces; the full breakdown of digital divide data can be found in its draft plan. Some of these key barriers and obstacles  include:

Low-Income Households

• Access to Devices: Low-income households lack access to essential digital devices such as computers, smartphones, or tablets, making it difficult to connect and engage in online activities.
• Access to Internet: Lack of access to reliable internet hinders low-income students' ability to participate in online learning, exacerbating educational disparities.
• Affordability:
  • Limited resources lead to lower-quality devices or outdated software, making it difficult to access and engage with modern digital content and services.
  • Cost of internet services can be a significant barrier, with low-income households struggling to afford broadband or mobile data plans, limiting their online access.
• Safety and Privacy: Concerns about privacy and security, particularly related to data collection and surveillance emerged.

Aging Individuals

• Access and Support: Transportation challenges when seeking tech help or resources.
• Digital Skill/Literacy:
  • Intimidation and fear of new technology and online scams.
  • Communication challenges; especially for those aged 65+.
  • Assumed technological sophistication, such as QR codes, can be challenging.
• Safety and Privacy: Concerns about privacy and security in a rapidly changing digital environment.
• Support:
  • Lack of support and patience from younger adults.
  • Dependence on family members for tech support.
  • Embarrassment when struggling with technology.

Rural Communities

• Access:
  • Challenges including spotty signals and lack of broadband services.
  • Unreliable internet connections.
  • Insufficient bandwidth cited as a barrier to professional-level work.
• Affordability:
  • Prohibitive cost of internet service.
  • Devices and internet service are too expensive.
• Cost: High cost of engineering infrastructure affecting end user's monthly bill.
• Digital Literacy/Skills: Need for basic training, from using a mouse to basic computer skills.
• Distance:
  • Distance to public internet access points and cost of public transportation.
  • Residents driving miles to find a signal for emergency services.
• Language barriers: Impacts effective internet use.
• Limited resources: Relying on public services like libraries for internet access is not always feasible or preferable.
• Online safety: Predatory marketing schemes for internet services.
• Safety and Privacy: Need help distinguishing truth from fiction online.
• Support: Dependence on community members for internet access for tasks like job applications.
• Quality: Concerns about the quality of technology provided.

Incarcerated Individuals

• Access:
  • Lack of access to certain websites and services due to firewalls.
  • Restricted websites due to firewalls.
  • Heavily controlled device usage.
  • Challenges during re-entry preparations due to limited internet access.
• Affordability: cost of internet access upon reentry.
• Digital literacy:
  • Lack of familiarity with technology.
  • Need for training and orientation sessions on available resources.
• Digital Navigators: lack of community awareness about available resources for recently released individuals.
• Safety and Privacy: Need for safe and conducive spaces for internet access without distractions.
• Support:
  • Need for specialized support and a digital "guide to getting out".
  • Lack of specialized support and resources.

Veterans

• Access: Lack of reliable internet access, especially for those in rural and tribal areas.
• Affordability: Financial constraints, particularly for older veterans living on fixed incomes.
• Digital Literacy/Skills: Challenges faced by older veterans in understanding and using modern technology.
• Internet Reliability: Need for consistent and reliable connectivity, especially for online education or remote work.
• Support:
  • Absence of a centralized resource page for veterans in Arizona.
  • Difficulty transitioning from military service to civilian sector employment.

Individuals with a Disability

• Access:
  • Difficulty in obtaining Wi-Fi, which is essential for receiving medical exercises and blood work paperwork.
  • Physical health barriers, lack of transportation to essential services.
  • The loss of community resources like computers and Wi-Fi at local senior centers, which were previously relied upon.
• Accessibility: Many websites lack proper descriptions for images or graphics.
• Devices: The need for devices that can speak for the visually impaired and considerations for those who are hearing impaired.
• Digital Literacy/Skill: Difficulties applying for jobs online due to inaccessible application forms.
• Safety and Privacy:
  • Concerns about privacy, security, and surveillance that affect trust in digital platforms.
  • The need for better online security measures to protect individuals with disabilities from scams and other digital threats.
• Support:
  • Lack of services and support tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
  • Challenges navigating websites not designed for screen readers.
  • Libraries not being a suitable alternative for the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with a Language Barrier

• Access and Support: Relying on family members to bridge language and cultural barriers.
• Accessibility:
  • Limited language proficiency makes it challenging for individuals to navigate websites and digital platforms that are primarily in English, hindering their ability to complete tasks, access information, and services.
  • Online education and e-learning platforms can pose significant barriers for individuals with a language barrier, as course materials and instructions are often presented in the dominant language.
  • Job search and application processes are often conducted online, and individuals with language barriers may face difficulties in applying for job opportunities, creating resumes, or participating in online interviews.
• Navigation: Difficulties in navigating internet services and understanding costs/packages due to language barriers.
• Support: Many digital platforms and services may not provide customer support or help in languages other than the dominant one, making it difficult for individuals to seek assistance when needed.

Racial and ethnic minority groups

• Accessibility: Differences in language and cultural practices can be exclusive.
• Affordability: Economic disparities create challenges in obtaining devices and internet subscriptions.
• Infrastructure: Infrastructure deficits in older neighborhoods.
• Relevance: existing classes lack cultural sensitivity.
• Trust: Reluctance to use digital applications.

Tribal Nations

• Access:
  • Challenges including spotty signals and lack of broadband services.
  • Unreliable internet connections.
  • Insufficient bandwidth cited as a barrier to professional-level work.
• Affordability:
  • Prohibitive cost of internet service.
  • Devices and internet service are too expensive.
• Cost: High cost of engineering infrastructure affecting end user's monthly bill.
• Digital Literacy/Skills: Need for basic training, from using a mouse to basic computer skills.
• Distance:
  • Distance to public internet access points and transportation costs.
  • Residents driving miles to find a signal for emergency services.
• Language barriers: Impacts effective internet use.
• Limited resources: Relying on public services like libraries for internet access is not always feasible or preferable.
• Online safety: Predatory marketing schemes for internet services.
• Safety and Privacy: Need help distinguishing truth from fiction online.
• Support: Dependence on community members for internet access for tasks like job applications.
• Quality: Concerns about the quality of technology provided.

Implementation Strategy and Objectives

This plan is designed to serve as a tailored roadmap for addressing the complex challenges unique to Arizona and its people. At the heart of the document is an acknowledgment of the intersectional experiences faced by Arizona's covered populations. The proposed strategies, programs, and interventions are designed to address visible and hidden barriers that limit meaningful online participation while fostering community-responsive digital inclusion that resonates with the values and aspirations of each community. 

Goal 1: Increase availability and affordability of reliable, high-speed broadband Internet.

(Covered Populations- Low-income households + ALL)

Objective 1: Increase enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Targets

• Number of low-income households enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
  • Baseline Data: ~515,000 Arizona Households Enrolled in ACP and ~635,000 Eligible but not Enrolled as of the writing of this report
  • Near Term Target: By 2026, increase enrollment in ACP by 50,000 covered households.
  • Long-Term Target: By 2028, increase enrollment in ACP or another affordable program by 50 percent

Implementation Strategies

• Increase support for digital navigators, and leverage them to support enrollment
• Increase collaboration with ISPs providing ACP, and encourage those not currently offering ACP to participate in the program
• Increase awareness of ACP through targeted campaigns and collaborations

Objective 2: Launch and increase enrollment in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program​ low-cost plan.

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of homes enrolled in low-cost programs through BEAD subgrantees
  • Baseline: 0 households currently benefit from the BEAD low-cost plan
  • Near-term: Establish low-cost price and work with BEAD team to create measurements and awareness of programs by 2026
  • Long-term: increase eligible household enrollment by 20 percent by 2028
  • Covered populations: all people across covered populations eligible for the BEAD low-cost plan

Implementation Strategies

• Increase awareness of low-cost plan
• Provide local and Tribal Digital Navigators training on low-cost plan
• Prioritize outreach in areas with a high volume of covered populations

Goal 2: Increase Inclusivity and Accessibility of Public Resources and Services

(Covered Populations: Individuals with a disability, aging individuals, people with a language barrier, and members of a racial or ethnic minority group)

Objective 1: Make online spaces and content more accessible to a wider range of persons.

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of Partnerships Developed
  • Baseline Data: To be determined. Initiate a comprehensive review to identify and document existing partnerships and current levels of digital accessibility.
  • Near Term Target: By 2026 Establish partnerships with the Department of Economic Security (DES) as well as at least three (3) key nonprofits and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working with persons with disabilities and persons with a language barrier to promote the adoption of inclusive digital practices.
  • Long Term Target: By 2028 Ensure organizations have tools and resources needed to adhere to these accessibility standards.

Implementation Strategy

• Collaborate with Experts and Advocacy Groups: Form a task force with accessibility experts and disability advocates to identify and integrate best practices for digital accessibility.
• Partner with ADOA-ASET: Develop guidelines and training programs in partnership with the Arizona Department of Administration/Arizona Strategic Enterprise Technology) ADOA-ASET to improve accessibility understanding and implementation in public state offices and organizations receiving state funding.

Objective 2: Establish Local and Tribal designated Digital Equity Specialists

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of Digital Equity Specialists with certifications or formal training
  • Baseline: 0 Local or Tribal Digital Equity Specialists
  • Near-term: work with local and Tribal governments to determine Digital Equity Specialists in every county and at least five (5) Digital Equity Specialists for tribes by 2026
  • Long-term: ensure every Local and Tribal Digital Equity specialist has formal training or a certification by 2027

Implementation Strategies

• Identify and train Digital Equity Specialists
• Create cohorts of Digital Equity Specialists and create a regular cadence of meetings to coordinate with the State Broadband Office
• Support Digital Equity Specialists completing certification or formal training

Objective 3: Support Local and Tribal capacity for Digital Equity Planning and Activities

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of local and Tribal Digital Equity Plans
  • Baseline: 2 local plans (Maricopa County, Pima County)
  • Near Term Targets: Increase number of local and Tribal Digital Equity Plans by 10 percent, by 2026
  • Long Term Targets: Host Digital Equity training opportunities in each county and Tribal Governments by 2027

Implementation Strategies

• Determine core needs of how Tribes can view language and cultural preservation with digital equity lens
• Create dashboard that depicts local and Tribal digital equity resources

Objective 4: Increase Telehealth Access Points and Support Health Navigator Services

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: number of TAPS recorded and number of health navigators serving Arizona.
  • Baseline: Three (3) current Digital Health Navigators who are a part the Digital Equity Institute navigator team housed in ASU’s Experience Center; 0 mapped Telehealth Access Points (TAPs)
  • Near Term Targets: identify locations that would be considered Telehealth Access Points as defined by the State of Arizona; work with local and Tribal governments to assess the local need for health navigators, and increase the number of health navigators overall by 10 percent, by 2027
  • Long Term Targets: ensure every county and Tribe has access to TAP and health navigator by 2030

Implementation Strategies

• Provide outreach and education campaigns in tribal and local communities to increase awareness of TAPs and digital health navigators
• Provide support to local partners to establish TAPs and health digital navigators and ensure health navigators and TAP staff are reflective of local and tribal community demographics

Goal 3: Provide Relevant Digital Literacy and Skills Training Tailored to the Needs of Covered Populations

(Covered Populations: ALL)

Objective 1: Increase Digital Literacy and Skills

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of individuals across covered populations that completed informal or formal digital skills training or digital skills learning platforms
  • Baseline: To be determined
  • Near Term Target: increase the number of individuals across covered populations that completed informal or formal digital skills training or digital skills learning platforms by 2026
  • Long-Term Target: Increase confidence in digital skills by 20 percent by 2030. Confidence is measured through assessment by a Digital Navigator and through subsequent Community Survey data.

Objective 2: Strengthen Community Support Through Digital Navigation Service Utilization

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of People Assisted by Digital Navigator Services
  • Baseline: To be determined
  • Near Term Target: By 2025 expand digital navigator services to reach an additional 20,000 people served annually, focusing on reaching low-income households, aging individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, people with a language barrier, people with disabilities, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and people who reside in rural areas.
  • Long Term Target: By 2030, establish a comprehensive, sustainable network of digital navigator services, achieving widespread adoption and high satisfaction rates across all targeted demographics. Sustained goal of 20,000 people served statewide by the network of digital navigators.

Implementation Steps

• Increase awareness of digital navigator programs around the state.
• Increase capacity of Digital Navigator and skill-building programs
• Coordinate with Digital Navigator network to incorporate targeted resources available to people across covered populations
• Incorporate monitoring into navigator intake forms
• Increase support to organizations serving individuals across covered populations that provide informal and formal digital skills training
• Increase awareness of digital skills learning platforms and resources
• Ensure digital skills learning platforms and resources are available in multiple languages and formats as reflected by individuals across covered populations

Objective 3: Ensure Workforce Development opportunities to prepare for jobs created by the BEAD program

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of people who have a certification or confirmed skills as related to jobs created by the BEAD program
  • Baseline: To be determined using the number of people who have a certification or confirmed skills as related to jobs created by the BEAD program
  • Near Term Target: By 2026, aim to have 25 percent of higher education institutions and organizations in Arizona, which have formed partnerships for training, actively participating in the BEAD workforce program.
  • Long-Term Target: Train an additional 3,000 jobseekers by 2027

Implementation Strategies

• Provide support to institutions of higher education or organizations with partnerships to implement training
• Provide workforce development opportunities to individuals who will play a vital role in the implementation of the BEAD program.
• Coordinate with Arizona@Work and BuilditAZ Apprenticeship initiative
• Coordinate with local workforce boards and the Workforce Arizona Council, established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Objective 4: Integrate Digital Literacy Upskilling into K-12 Educational Standards

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of students who complete steps necessary to receive the Seal of Digital Literacy
  • Baseline: 0 Students have completed this program
  • Near Term Target: Work with the Department of Education to create a series of requirements for the new Seal of Digital Literacy by the start of the 2026 school year.
  • Long Term Target: By 2030, at least 400 students per year (sustained) will complete the requirements to earn the Seal of Digital Literacy.

Implementation Strategies

• Work with Department of Education to create standards for this new program
• Increase awareness of this program across the state, especially in school districts that serve families that fall into one of the covered populations

Goal 4: Enhance the Privacy and Security of Arizona’s Digital Spaces

(Covered Populations: ALL)

Objective 1: Develop a statewide online safety campaign for individuals of all ages.

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of online safety training or cybersecurity workshops
• KPI: Number of people trained by covered population
  • Baseline: To be determined for CAI’s and community members.
  • Baseline: ~500 cybersecurity safety training workshops held for county officials by Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS)
  • Near Term Target: Conduct a minimum of 12 online safety trainings annually each year between 2025 and 2030.
  • Long Term Target: By 2030, establish a comprehensive statewide online safety campaign, fully integrated into community networks and CAIs, that demonstrably improves online safety practices and cybersecurity awareness across all covered populations/target demographics
• KPI: Number of CAIs committed to partnering to disseminate online safety information.
  • Baseline: 0
  • Target: Gain commitment from 10 organizations by the end of 2025
  • Long Term Target: By 2030 have a robust network of CAIs around the state providing high-quality online safety training.

Implementation Strategies

• Increase awareness and use of online safety training and cybersecurity resources
• Partner with AZDOHS to conduct online safety and cybersecurity training for Community Anchor Institutions and community members.
• Partner with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to increase cyber preparedness.
• Enhance information sharing among stakeholders to reduce risk

Goal 5: Ensure Arizonans Have an Affordable Device That Meets Their Unique Needs

(Covered Populations: ALL)

Objective 1: Increase the affordability of digital devices

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of People with Access to an Affordable Device that Meets their Needs
  • Baseline: Establish the benchmark for affordability and then establish the number of people who have access to an affordable device that meets their needs.
  • Near Term Target: increase number of people across covered populations with access to affordable devices by 15 percent by 2027
  • Long Term Target: increase number of people across covered populations with access to affordable devices by 30 percent by 2029

Implementation Strategies

• Launch public awareness campaigns to inform covered populations about the availability of affordable devices and the benefits of digital inclusion.
• Use various communication channels, including social media, community events, and local media. Set up community distribution centers in underserved areas where individuals can access affordable devices.
• Identify the device distribution and affordability programs that have shown the most success in the near term and expand them to cover a broader population.
• Form partnerships with corporate entities that can donate or subsidize devices for the covered populations.

Objective 2: Match Devices to the Need of the Individual

(Covered Population: Aging Individuals, Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities + ALL)

KPIs and Targets:

• KPI: Number of people indicating their digital device meets their needs
  • Baseline: To be established
  • Near-term: determine criteria (as determined by coordination with Digital Equity Specialists and Digital Navigators) for how to ensure device is correct for individual needs – by 2025
  • Long-term: increasing adequate devices to meet the needs of user by 2028

Implementation Strategies

• Determine criteria around the appropriateness of users’ devices, and encourage Digital Navigators to gather data regarding the appropriateness of devices
• Coordinate with organizations that provide devices to user
• Determine minimum requirements for devices
• Coordinate with Digital Equity Specialists and Digital Navigators to create periodic check-ins with individuals who have received devices

Objective 3: Create a sustainable device distribution model

KPIs and Targets:

• KPI: The number of eligible Arizonans who apply for and receive the ACP’s device discount benefit
  • Baseline: To be determined
  • Target: Increase the number of recipients by 10 percent beyond the baseline by 2025
• KPI: Number of Accessible devices distributed that have adjustable settings, user-friendly interfaces, and are compatible with assistive technologies.
  • Target: Support nonprofits and CAIs in the distribution of 20,000 accessible devices in low-income communities and rural regions by the end of 2027

Implementation Strategies

• Increase support for organizations that provide refurbished devices and outreach to people across covered populations
• Determine best practices surrounding affordability and accessibility features of devices
• Conduct gap analysis of impact on environmental sustainability and distribution
• Collaborate with tech companies to integrate a refresh plan into distribution to ensure that devices are updated as technology evolves.
• Highlight the benefits of refurbishing devices, emphasizing their affordability, reduced environmental impact, and alignment with various user needs.

Goal 6: Monitor and Evaluate Impact and Progress towards Achieving Digital Equity

(Covered Populations: ALL)

Objective 1: Assess Impact and Communicate Findings

KPIs and Targets

• KPI: Number of Stakeholder and Community Engagement Activities Conducted
  • Baseline: Initial findings from the digital equity planning process.
  • Near Term Targets: By 2026, conduct at least one community listening session in each of the fifteen counties. Implement a combination of qualitative and quantitative assessment methods, such as surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
  • Ongoing: Report on impact through various communication channels, i.e. quarterly newsletter, annual reports (per engagement plan)
  • Long Term Targets: By 2030, publish comprehensive programmatic impact report detailing progress made towards statewide digital equity and inclusion.

Share Your Feedback With Arizona

Public comments on Arizona's draft Digital Equity Plan can be submitted using the Arizona Commerce Authority's comment form, via email using this PDF at broadband@azcommerce.com, or by phone at (602) 845-1262. The deadline for public comments is February 1, 2024. More information on digital equity work in Arizona can be found on the Arizona Commerce Authority website.

Quick Bits

• How One Company Hoovered Up $3 Billion in Broadband Subsidies
• How much ACP exposure do big internet providers have?
• FCC commissioner ‘dismayed’ at ACP funding inaction
• Los Angeles Cracks Down On 'Digital Discrimination' By Internet Service Providers
• Treasury Announces Federal Funds to Connect New York to Affordable, High-Speed Internet

Weekend Reads (resist tl;dr)

• Equity-Based Grant Administration at NTIA: A Case Study
• 2024 National Educational Technology Plan
• Evolved spectrum usage rights: A catalyst for liberal spectrum management reform
• FCC's Broadband Data Task Force Seeks Comment on Challenge Processes
• Don’t Let AI Become the Newest Digital Divide

ICYMI from Benton

• Here’s What ISPs Are Telling ACP Subscribers Today
• Ending the ACP will Limit the Internet’s Economic and Healthcare Benefits for Low-Income Households
• How the FCC Plans to End the Affordable Connectivity Program
• The Plan for a Connected Illinois
• Developing Digital Skills and Opportunity in Arkansas

Upcoming Events

Jan 29––FirstNet Authority Board (NTIA)

Jan 30––Disability Advisory Committee (FCC)

Jan 30––Promoting Digital Inclusivity in Rural Communities (NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association)

Jan 30––Verizon Policy Breakfast with FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez (Verizon)

Jan 31––Big Tech and the Online Exploitation Crisis (Senate Judiciary Committee)

Feb 1––Listening Session on Incarcerated People’s Communications Services (FCC)

Feb 12—State of the Net 2024 (Internet Education Foundation)

Feb 13-15––Net Inclusion 2024 (NDIA)

Feb 14––FWA – Sweet Spot for BEAD Deployments (Fierce)

Feb 15––February 2024 Open Federal Communications Commission Meeting (FCC)

Mar 5-7––ACA Connects Summit 2024 (ACA Connects)

Mar 14––March 2024 Open Federal Communications Commission Meeting (FCC)

Mar 25––The Right Connection (CENIC)

More in this series:

• 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.

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