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Round-Up for the Week of Dec 18-22, 2023

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 Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) asserts that connectivity has become integral to everyday activities from regular social interactions and access to media to participating in school or pursuing a career, responding to emergencies, improving farming efficiency and agricultural output, and combatting climate change. VCBB  released its draft Digital Equity Plan to ensure all Vermonters can take advantage of the benefits of this connectivity. The VCBB draft plan is open for public comment until December 31, 2023.

Vermont's Vision for Digital Equity

The State of Vermont seeks to ensure every individual in Vermont—regardless of identity, community, or economic challenges—has high-quality, accessible, affordable technology resources. This aligns with how Vermont has designed its Five-Year Action Plan for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, in which Vermont seeks to ensure Vermonters—now and in the future—have universal access to reliable, high-quality, affordable, fixed broadband at speeds of at least 100/100 Megabits per second (Mbps), and that all Vermonters and Vermont institutions have the tools and skills to maximize the value Internet connectivity can offer.

The social and economic benefits of high-quality Internet connectivity and information technology are now widely understood and accepted. Connectivity has become integral to everyday activities from regular social interactions and access to media to participating in school or pursuing a career, responding to emergencies, improving farming efficiency and agricultural output, and combatting climate change.

Vermont’s BEAD and Digital Equity programs will be a success if, by 2034:

• Vermonters have universal broadband access: All Vermont households have access to reliable, high-quality, affordable fixed broadband services.
• Vermonters are connected: At least 90 percent of Vermonters have subscribed to broadband service. At least 70 percent of eligible households have enrolled in a broadband service subsidy program (i.e., the Affordable Connectivity Program—known as the ACP). Those who are unhoused, incarcerated, or otherwise lack a home broadband connection can access the Internet and technology through community anchor institutions and correctional facilities.
• Vermonters have connected devices: 95 percent of households own a laptop, tablet, or personal computer.
• Vermonters have the skills and confidence to use information technology productively and safely: 80 percent of the population surveyed reports confidence in their digital literacy.
• Vermonters are empowered to study and work: At least 200 jobs are created, and Vermonters are employed within the state in broadband deployment. Vermonters are able to work remotely with reliable connectivity, even when they live in rural or remote areas. Vermonters can take advantage of remote learning opportunities to either continue or enhance their education and career pursuits.
• Vermonters can and do connect to essential services: All Vermonters, especially those in need of health and social services, are able to learn about and benefit from those services available to them in the State.
• Digital Equity is institutionalized as a priority across all state agencies and embedded in public services.

Barriers to Digital Equity and Covered Populations

Approximately 80 percent of Vermonters have access to broadband at speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps, leaving 20 percent without access to high-speed broadband. In addition to this gap in broadband availability, Vermont also has a significant broadband adoption gap. Across the state, the number of households subscribing to fixed broadband, such as cable or fiber, is 190,887 out of 262,514 households (or approximately 72.71 percent). Approximately 12 percent of Vermont households have neither a computer nor a broadband subscription. For Vermonters who are using the Internet, most access it primarily at home or at work, while some rely on public spaces or someone else’s home to get connected.

Broadband affordability also is a significant challenge, as seen in quantitative data as well as in responses to the VCBB’s public survey issued to inform its BEAD and Digital Equity Plans. According to an analysis by BroadbandNow, only 40 percent of Vermonters have access to plans with a monthly broadband service price of less than $60 (broadband being defined as delivering at least 25/3 Mbps).

The vast majority of Vermonters—95 percent—fall into at least one of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s defined Covered Populations. This underscores the significance, scale, and urgency of advancing digital equity in the state. Notably, over 93 percent of the state lives in rural areas.

The percentages of each covered population out of Vermont's total population are as follows:

• Individuals who live in low-income households: 17.7 percent
• Aging individuals: 28.2 percent
• Incarcerated individuals: 0.2 percent
• Veterans: 5.5 percent
• Individuals with disabilities: 15.6 percent
• Individuals with a language barrier: 11.4 percent
• Individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group: 7.5 percent
• Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area: 93.1 percent

Individuals who live in low-income households

Vermont faces several structural challenges to making broadband affordable. The rurality and topography of the state mean that expanding broadband infrastructure is costly, resulting in high prices for services to support it. For Vermonters living in Covered Households, 40.6 percent reported being able to pay less than $20 for broadband service. Given that only 40 percent of the state has access to service plans that cost less than $60, let alone $20, affordability will be a challenge to which the VCBB will devote significant attention and resources.

The VCBB has conducted preliminary research under the assumption that households can generally afford to spend up to one percent of their monthly income on fixed broadband connectivity. That means a one-person household living at 100 percent of the poverty line could spend up to $12.15 per month on fixed broadband. At 150 percent of the poverty line, a one-person household could spend up to $18.22 per month on a fixed broadband connection. According to the 2021 Census data, approximately 10.4 percent of Vermonters have incomes below 100 percent of the poverty level and 14.1 percent have incomes between 101-200 percent. These families would be eligible for ACP support of $30 per month and some would be eligible for Lifeline support of up to $9.25 per month, which would bring service plans within reach for some Vermonters. ACP enrollment can also help with access to devices, as 45 percent of survey respondents from Covered Households indicated that the cost of devices is too high.

Compared to a nationwide participation rate of close to 40 percent, only 17 percent of eligible Vermont households have enrolled in the ACP. The VCBB’s public survey included questions about awareness of the ACP and reasons for signing up or not. Only 45.4 percent of respondents had heard of the program. Out of the respondents who had heard about the ACP, 444 or 51 percent of report signing up. A smaller number also responded that they did not know how to sign up (54) or that the process to sign up was too difficult (28). Encouragingly, 66 percent of respondents who self-identified as members of Covered Households had heard of the ACP. However, over 25 percent of Vermonters in Covered Households who had heard of the ACP had not enrolled, which speaks to the existence of barriers to ACP adoption beyond lack of awareness (e.g., the difficulty of the enrollment process, lack of awareness of how to sign up, social stigma, government mistrust) which the VCBB intends to work with its partners to address.

Beyond affordability concerns, Vermonters in Covered Households face additional barriers related to digital skills and literacy. The lower levels of broadband adoption and device access in this population means that they have fewer chances to practice and develop their digital skills. Providing this population with the foundational resources that will allow them to use the Internet safely, securely, and with confidence, while simultaneously removing the barriers to broadband adoption and device access will, for beginner Internet users, help to avoid members of this population building poor digital literacy and Internet hygiene habits as they come online.

Aging Individuals

Aging individuals are a population frequently referenced as struggling with digital equity barriers. Nationally, there are significant differences in the adoption rate of home broadband among Americans 65 and older, which is 64 percent, and younger populations. Americans aged 50-64 have a home broadband subscription rate of 79 percent, and 86 percent of those 30-49 reported adopting broadband. As a largely retired population living on a fixed income, affordability is also a major concern for aging Americans; in 2023, over half of all Americans over 65 had an annual income of less than $29,700 from all sources.

This is particularly relevant in Vermont because it is a state with an aging population: as of October 2022, 27.1 percent of Vermont’s population is over the age of 65. This is significantly higher than the national average of 16.6 percent, and is an age group that is continuing to grow as a percentage of the overall population in the state. Like veterans, aging Vermonters tend to have favorable socio-economic outcomes as compared to some other Covered Populations. The population of Vermont seniors living below the federal poverty line is 7.8 percent, below the statewide average of 10.4 percent. The per capita income for Vermonters over the age of 65 is $59,180; this is only slightly below the statewide average of $63,000.

While aging Vermonters expressed interest in digital skills resources at a lower rate than many other Covered Populations, qualitative evidence from extensive engagement with organizations and individuals from this Covered Population suggest that there is a significant need. Expanded data collection efforts focused on this Covered Population will also include developing a more standardized and accurate assessment of aging Vermonters’ digital skills, to better understand the need for programming targeted at this specific Covered Population.

One particular concern for aging Vermonters is those who have never historically been members of a disabled or differently-abled group, but transition into one in older age (people who lose their sight or hearing, people who develop a physical disability, etc.). Approximately 29.2 percent of Vermonters over the age of 65 have a disability, and as this age group is continuing to expand in Vermont, it is likely that the number of aging Vermonters with disabilities will only continue to grow. These individuals may be difficult to reach with services and assistive technologies tailored for people with disabilities, because they may not consider themselves to be part of that community, may be uninformed about disability-focused services, and may be uncomfortable advocating for their own accessibility needs.

Incarcerated Individuals

At the time of publication, the VCBB did not have access to data to inform quantitative baselines related to digital equity barriers for incarcerated individuals. Through its stakeholder engagement process, the VCBB gained qualitative information that key barriers for incarcerated individuals are affordability and digital skills. Vermont’s Department of Corrections has been implementing an initiative to ensure all facilities with educational programs have strong Internet and device access. An important opportunity is to ensure appropriate virtual skilling resources are available. The VCBB is continuing to work with the Department of Corrections (a member of the VCBB’s Digital Equity Core Team) to survey incarcerated individuals for further feedback to inform digital equity solutions.

Formerly-incarcerated individuals often face substantial barriers to digital equity, such as access to affordable broadband service and devices, digital skills, and legal restrictions on content they can access. The VCBB has been collaborating with organizations that assist formerly incarcerated individuals to understand their needs, identify solutions, and ensure awareness of digital equity resources is increased.

Veterans

Over 5.3 percent of the Vermont population identifies as a veteran. Vermont’s veterans often have better socio-economic outcomes than the non-veteran population. Only 6.5 percent of Vermont veterans live below the poverty line, compared with 10.4 percent of Vermont’s total population living in poverty. Vermont’s veterans have a similar rate of unemployment to the state average, which in Vermont is extremely low (1.8 percent as of August 2023). Vermont’s veterans have a per capita income of $59,559, slightly below the statewide average of $63,000.

Survey respondents who are veterans also expressed high levels of interest in digital skills programming (which was a generally popular idea among Vermonters). Something the VCBB heard consistently from veterans and associated advocacy organizations is that veterans have an extremely strong preference for engaging with other veterans when attempting to access programs and services. Therefore, it will be particularly important for VCBB to design any programs, and particularly a program that requires longer-term engagement between program organizers and Vermont veterans (like digital skills courses), with that preference in mind.

One additional dimension of consideration for this Covered Population is that there is a significant number of Vermont veterans with service-related disabilities. Approximately 21 percent of Vermont veterans have a service-connected disability, which creates additional barriers for this population to adopting broadband. Activities to improve the accessibility of public resources and services will also benefit this population, and it is important that any digital equity programs developed specifically for Vermonters with disabilities also include a specific outreach component to this veteran population.

Individuals with Disabilities

People with disabilities often face a high number of barriers related to digital equity. At a national level, Americans with disabilities are three times as likely as those without a disability to say they never go online (15 percent versus 5 percent). Additionally, the same population also reports a significantly lower rate of laptop and computer ownership than people without disabilities do (62 percent versus 81 percent). The gap between broadband adoption rates among people with and without disabilities is slightly less stark but still notable—77 percent of the population without disabilities subscribe to fixed broadband nationally, compared to 72 percent of people with disabilities. However, national data indicates that tablet ownership among people with disabilities is relatively consistent with non-disabled households.

In Vermont, individuals with disabilities may face barriers related to service affordability, device affordability, and digital skills. As is noted in the baselines provided above, this population was the most interested in digital skills training out of all populations surveyed. Vermonters with disabilities also reported that device affordability was a barrier at a relatively high rate and almost half of respondents with disabilities reported broadband service costs as being too high.

In addition, this population faces additional barriers related to accessibility; in particular, accessing and using any assistive technologies and the accessibility of online resources, websites, and services.

An additional barrier faced by this population is access to and affordability of assistive technologies. In response to a question about assistive technology, 20 percent of respondents with a disability that affects how they use the Internet reported that they don’t know about tools that can help them. An additional 33 percent indicated that the assistive device they need to help them use the Internet does not work well. Without access to functioning, affordable assistive technologies, these individuals are precluded from participating online the same way they would be without broadband service or a standard personal computer. On the affordability of these assistive technologies, 28 percent of respondents with disabilities said that these tools are too expensive. Without the ability to afford these tools, Vermonters are unable to participate fully online, the same way a person without a disability would be without access to a computer.

Individuals with a Language Barrier

In the VCBB’s engagements with organizations that serve individuals with a language barrier to date, the two major barriers expressed were the affordability of service and devices, and the lack of information and resources available in multiple languages. The migrant population, and in particular migrant farmworkers, often leave many members of their family elsewhere when relocating for employment opportunities. Outside of employment, connecting with families is the top priority for these Vermonters, and these individuals most often spend available money (including any ACP benefits) on mobile service rather than on fixed broadband. Some migrant farmworkers who are undocumented face additional barriers to broadband adoption related to their undocumented status, and the VCBB will work directly with that subset of this Covered Population to better understand and help to reduce those barriers. In addition, it will be important that any solutions that the VCBB designs specifically for this Covered Population provides enough support to allow these Vermonters to access home broadband without sacrificing the subsidies they need to access mobile broadband as well.

Individuals Who are Racial or Ethnic Minorities

Vermonters who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups often also face significant broadband adoption barriers, many driven by income. In Vermont, the median household income for any racial or ethnic minority group is below that of the median income for white households. Poverty levels for racial and ethnic minority Vermonters are also significantly higher than for their white counterparts; for example, the poverty rate for Black Vermonters is more than twice the poverty rate for white Vermonters (23.8 percent vs. 10.7 percent), and the poverty rates for Asian Vermonters (15.4 percent), Native American Vermonters including members of state-recognized Abenaki tribes (17.6 percent) and Hispanic Vermonters (16.2 percent) are all at least 44 percent higher than the rates for white Vermonters.

Beyond affordability and digital skills, individuals who identify as racial or ethnic minorities may face significant barriers related to lack of information and government mistrust. Racial minority populations experience significantly higher rates of discrimination, including in institutional settings, creating a much higher predisposition towards mistrust of government intervention and programs than white counterparts. Many programs targeted at these populations have also historically been staffed by white individuals; not seeing members of their own racial or ethnic group involved in program development or administration may heighten concerns and mistrust.

It will also be particularly important not only that the VCBB partner with trusted, local community organizations across the state to develop digital equity programs for this Covered Population and spread awareness of them, but that those who are spreading the word and engaging with the public include members of racial and ethnic minority groups. Given the relatively small number of Vermonters who are racial and ethnic minorities (92.5 percent of Vermont’s already small population is white), this can be a challenge.

Individuals Who Primarily Reside in a Rural Area

Vermont is fairly unique among states in that 93.1 percent of the state’s population resides in a rural area. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that this Covered Population is highly intersectional and that the vast majority of feedback received by the VCBB throughout this process can apply, to varying degrees, to subsets of this Covered Population.

Of the VCBB’s public survey responders, 60 percent of those who self-identified as living in a rural area said their broadband service is too expensive. Qualitative feedback from those Vermonters further emphasizes that many rural households face significant challenges in accessing affordable Internet service and are often choosing between paying the bill for Internet and other essential services. Additionally, in both quantitative and qualitative feedback collected through the survey, public request for input, and events across the state, the number one message that the VCBB heard related to adoption barriers is that affordability is the number one concern for Vermonters. Out of 2,048 total responses to the VCBB public survey, 1,022 responded that the cost of broadband service is too high to a question about their experiences with Internet services (the second and third most popular responses were that the Internet was too slow—949 responses—and that the Internet was unreliable—814 responses—factors Vermont plans to address through its BEAD program). Among respondents who identified themselves as members of one or more of the designated Covered Populations, ‘the cost of Internet is too high’ was also the most popular response.

Of the 74 respondents who do not have a home Internet subscription, 21 (28 percent) stated that their primary reason for not signing up for service is because the cost of broadband service is too high. Aside from a lack of available, reliable service, the high cost of broadband was the next largest reason that Vermonters who did not have Internet service had not adopted. Of those who reported that they have a home Internet connection, 60 percent still agreed the cost of service is too high.

Vermont faces a few specific affordability challenges due to its geography, low population density, and existing infrastructure pattern. The remaining unserved and underserved addresses are in areas where infrastructure has not been built by market forces alone and are predominantly very rural. This drives up the average capital expenditure and operating costs of an Internet service provider, which can result in higher monthly customer prices for rural consumers. Given the amount of Vermont that is classified as rural, this phenomenon affects an enormous number of Vermonters.

Strategies and Objectives

To achieve the objectives of each of Vermont’s six digital equity goals, VCBB proposes core activities intended to address the barriers faced by Vermont’s Covered Populations. For each goal, the VCBB has defined key performance indicators with baselines and targets between 2024 and 2034.

Goal 1: Mobilize resources for end-to-end broadband infrastructure deployments to all unserved and underserved locations and community anchor institutions (CAIs) in Vermont.

Objectives and Core Activities

• Leverage BEAD and other available funding resources to remove barriers and foster a competitive and sustainable market for broadband service across Vermont.
  • Partner with other state agencies and Digital Equity Core Planning Team to publish and maintain a centralized digital equity asset inventory.
  • Establish the grant administration platform.
  • Review, award, and administer subgrants and oversee subgrant program.
• Design and implement the BEAD grant program (and other funding sources) for reliable and resilient broadband infrastructure deployments to extend 100/100 Mbps or better connectivity to all on-grid unserved and underserved locations, 100/20 Mbps or better connectivity to all unserved and underserved off-grid locations, and 1/1 Gbps or better connectivity to all CAIs.
  • Implement Vermont’s BEAD Program in line with Vermont’s BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and Final Proposal.
  • Pursue additional funding sources to supplement BEAD and Digital Equity Act programs.
• Assist subgrantees in securing funding from additional sources for broadband infrastructure deployments.
  • Support Communications Union Districts (CUDs), Internet service providers (ISPs), and other entities to pursue funding opportunities for expanded broadband deployment and other digital equity initiatives.
• Ensure every town in Vermont has at least one CAI with access to symmetrical gigabit Mbps broadband service.
  • Ensure the list of CAIs used for BEAD funding includes at least one CAI per Vermont town.
  • Ensure accountability for delivering one Gbps symmetrical broadband to all BEAD-eligible CAIs.
  • Work with community partners and ISPs to install equipment to enable Wi-Fi signals outside buildings where people experiencing housing insecurity frequent for services (e.g., shelters, food shelves).

Key Performance Indicators

• Percent of currently unserved and underserved on-grid locations with 100/100 Mbps broadband or better available, with a short-term goal of 30 percent and a long-term goal of 100 percent
• Percent of currently unserved and underserved off-grid locations with 100/100 Mbps broadband or better available, with a short-term goal of 20 percent and a long-term goal of 100 percent
• Percent of CAIs with one Gbps symmetrical broadband available, with a short-term goal of 85 percent and a long-term goal of 100 percent
• Percent of Vermont towns with at least one CAI with one Gbps symmetrical broadband available, with a short-term goal of 93 percent and a long-term goal of 100 percent

Goal 2: Ensure sustainable, community-driven solutions across the entire state.

Objectives

• Design and implement BEAD and Digital Equity grant programs that invest in infrastructure and digital equity initiatives with community support.
  • Conduct ongoing stakeholder engagement to ensure subgrantees are successful and accountable, Covered Populations and other Underrepresented Communities are heard and supported, and that the public is aware of Vermont’s progress toward implementing the BEAD and
    Digital Equity Plans.
  • Establish a mechanism that enables the public to provide feedback on BEAD and Digital Equity Program activities to help ensure there is accountability to Vermonters.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders to identify opportunities for the VCBB to support and coordinate initiatives.
  • Continue to implement a stakeholder engagement and outreach strategy to foster awareness, collaboration, and alignment of activities.
  • Seek information to update the digital equity asset inventory and help promote resources offered by community stakeholders.
• Ensure BEAD- and Digital Equity-funded initiatives include commitments to future equipment upgrades and continued universal service coverage.
  • Support the CUDs and other local community organizations to ensure residents and CAIs can access high-quality, high-speed broadband and hold providers accountable for the quality and reliability of that service.
  • Engage stakeholders to understand how effective the design of low-cost service options and affordability programs are for meeting the needs of covered households and other income-insecure Vermonters.
• Assist communities in all regions of the state with strategies and resources to ensure broadband affordability and accessibility, along with connecting communities with digital skilling and other related resources.
  • Publish and disseminate to each CAI materials describing digital equity resources developed in plain language, large font, and accessible design, translated into multiple languages.
  • Promote the awareness and use of Vermont’s digital equity asset inventory.
  • Host office hours to offer opportunities for guidance and collaboration with the VCBB’s staff focused on digital equity.
  • Establish a device loaning program to allow Vermonters to check out/in a computer, tablet, or assistive technology.
• Support local champions and community organizations to help their community members find and use the affordability and skilling resources they need.
  • Establish a digital navigators program modeled after Vermont’s Health Ambassadors, where navigators are ideally recruited from communities they will serve and are trained to assist people in finding the digital equity resources they need, including broadband, devices, and digital skilling (especially basic digital literacy and privacy and cyber security). Digital navigators will also provide feedback to the VCBB on community needs and impact.
  • Establish a train-the-trainer model to assist other state agencies and non-governmental organizations already providing community social services to incorporate digital equity resources into their outreach efforts.
  • Assist local organizations, digital navigators, CAIs, and others with in-person events to encourage community awareness and adoption of digital equity resources (e.g., host a table at farmers markets, affordable housing communities, assisted living communities, or other venues primarily attended by Covered Populations to offer ACP enrollment support, basic digital literacy support, and information about other resources).

Key Performance Indicators

• Percent of BEAD and Digital Equity subgrantees with documented meaningful community support or partnerships, with a short and long-term goal of 100 percent
• Additional funding besides BEAD and Digital Equity grants to the State of Vermont committed for state-led digital equity programming, with a short-term goal of $1 million and a long-term goal of $8 million cumulative
• Percent of towns served by a digital navigator, with a short-term goal of 20 percent and a long-term goal of 100 percent

Goal 3: Ensure high-speed broadband services and devices are affordable.

Objectives and Core Activities

• Ensure all households with an income level at or below 150 percent of the poverty line have access to a low-cost broadband service option.
  • Work with all ISPs in the State to ensure programs for broadband affordability are available, promoted, and utilized by Vermonters eligible to benefit from them.
  • As determined to be necessary by continued data collection and analysis as well as federal legislative developments, VCBB may also engage with state policymakers to develop additional, state-level affordability programs.
• Promote the ACP and other related resources for broadband affordability and adoption.
  • Develop and disseminate materials explaining the ACP and how to register for it, working closely with organizations that serve and represent Covered Populations.
  • Develop and disseminate materials explaining resources for assistive technology for people with disabilities, including on-device and third-party devices.
  • Develop, maintain, and disseminate Vermont’s digital equity asset inventory, working closely with organizations that serve and represent Covered Populations.
• Ensure every Vermont household with a high school student living in it has a connected device and assistive technology (if needed).
  • Work with the Department of Education to design and implement a device access program.
  • Explore and cultivate public-private partnerships to ensure device access for all students.
• Assist communities with strategies and resources to ensure affordability.
  • Engage directly with localities through either CUDs or municipal elected officials to develop an understanding of available local resources for broadband affordability and a plan to promote them.

Key Performance Indicators

• Percent of households subscribing to fixed broadband, with a short-term goal of 80 percent and a long-term goal of 95 percent
• Percent of eligible households signed up for a broadband service subsidy (like ACP), with a short-term goal of 30 percent and a long-term goal of 70 percent
• Percent of households owning a laptop, tablet, or personal computer, with a short-term goal of 93 percent and a long-term goal of 95 percent
• Percent of ACP-eligible households reporting that they own a laptop, tablet, or personal computer, with a short-term goal of 50 percent and a long-term goal of 90 percent
• Percent of covered population households subscribing to fixed broadband (metrics vary by specific covered population)
• Percent of covered population households owning a laptop, tablet, or personal computer (metrics vary by specific covered population)

Goal 4: Advance digital literacy for all Vermonters both during the BEAD and Digital Equity Program performance periods now and into the future.

Objectives and Core Activities

• Assist communities with strategies and resources to ensure broadband affordability and accessibility, along with connecting communities with digital skilling and other related resources.
  • Encourage and support public-private partnerships including between ISPs, tech companies, CUDs, municipalities, nonprofits, and other community organizations to ensure community-centered and community-driven broadband and digital equity solutions are available to and adopted by Vermonters statewide.
  • Establish a hotline available to the public for support getting information on digital equity resources, particularly the ACP benefit and digital literacy resources available remotely or in their community, and a referral to their local digital navigator.
• Establish a coordinated effort with other state agencies to promote digital inclusion across Vermont.
  • Continue to coordinate with agencies and nonprofits undertaking similar or related work, to avoid duplication and maximize efficiency. This includes but is not limited to convening the Digital Equity Core Team.
• Promote the accessibility and inclusivity of digital public services.
  • Audit and evaluate Vermont’s state public services for accessibility and inclusivity.
  • Share results of accessibility audit with relevant state agencies along with recommended solutions and resources to improve accessibility. Also distribute guidance to units of local government through the CUDs.
  • Work with partners to ensure intentional outreach to communities with disabilities regarding accessible and inclusive resources.
  • Design and implement a grant program for community organizations to upgrade their websites, materials, and online services to ensure accessibility.
• Ensure all Vermonters have access to accessible, multi-lingual, community-based technical support.
  • Coordinate the translation of digital equity-related public service resources into languages other than English (including Spanish, American Sign Language/Braille).
  • Encourage BEAD or Digital Equity Program subgrantees to follow accessibility best practices on their websites and to create only accessible materials.
  • Facilitate the production and dissemination of quick digital literacy tutorial videos, especially on topics of privacy and cyber-security. Ensure the availability of a repository of basic digital literacy resources accessible and free, regardless of education level and language.
• Encourage utilization of digital navigators by Covered Populations and ensure that Vermonters who are selected as digital navigators are themselves representative of Covered Populations.
  • Make intentional efforts to recruit digital navigators who are members of Covered Populations.
  • Establish a system to direct Vermonters who are members of a Covered Population to a representative Digital Navigator.
  • Engage organizations who represent Vermont’s Covered Populations to develop specific strategies to promote digital skills resource utilization among the Covered Population that they serve.

Key Performance Indicators

• Percent of population surveyed reporting confidence in their digital literacy, with a short-term goal of 35 percent and a long-term goal of 65 percent
• Percent of Vermonters that report confidence in their ability to use the Internet safely and securely, with a short-term goal of 45 percent and a long-term goal of 75 percent
• Number of reported fraud reports and online crimes reported (e.g., hacks, online scams) in Vermont
• Percent of VCBB funded, digital equity-focused programs and resources that are available in plain language, in multiple languages, and designed for accessibility, with a short-term goal of 30 percent and a long-term goal of 100 percent
• Number of Covered Populations represented among Digital Navigators, with short-term goal of 3 and a long-term goal of 8
• Percent of covered populations surveyed reporting confidence in their digital literacy (metrics vary by specific covered population)
• Percent of covered populations that report confidence in their ability to use the Internet safely and securely (metrics vary by specific covered population)

Goal 5: Enhance workforce development for broadband and the digital economy.

Objectives and Core Activities

• Increase the capacity of education and training programs to develop the talent pipeline.
  • Assist with the design and implementation of job shadowing, training, and apprenticeship programs.
  • Work with the Department of Corrections to incorporate training opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
  • Continue to support the design and implementation of apprenticeship and job training programs in collaboration with the Department of Labor and potential employers.
• Increase industry awareness and involvement in the opportunity created by these programs.
  • Continue to convene a working group of stakeholders related to broadband and workforce development (i.e., Department of Labor, technical colleges).
• Promote, target, and recruit participants in Vermont.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and community organizations to promote training and career opportunities to Covered Populations.
• Support for the private sector to create sustainable employment opportunities.
  • Continue to liaise with ISPs and CUDs (and associated contractors) to understand workforce needs and challenges as well as collaborate on training and recruitment strategies.
  • Engage employers in a variety of industries in the state to understand what employment opportunities may be created in the digital economy with wider availability and adoption of broadband, and work with employers to develop Vermont-specific recruitment strategies for attracting Vermont-based talent.
• Establish a roadmap of career possibilities for participants in the Workforce Development Programs.
  • Work with employers and workforce development partners to define, document, publish, and disseminate career roadmaps to articulate long-term opportunities for people entering or re-entering the workforce.
• Encourage the recruitment of a diverse workforce of Vermonters for jobs in the broadband ecosystem and in the broader digital economy.
  • Maintain contact with ISPs, CUDs, and associated contractors to stay informed of their hiring needs generally, encourage them to hire locally, and inform them of where they can find qualified Vermonters ready to work.

Key Performance Activities

• Number of new local fiber technicians recruited and trained for a mix of inside (installing equipment, working with customers) and outside (running fiber) work through the VCBB’s training program, with a short-term goal of 100 and a long-term goal of 200
• Percent of graduates of VCBB-supported training programs that secure jobs in relevant industries within 12 months of program completion, with a short-term goal of 50 percent and a longer-term goal of 80 percent
• For covered populations, the number of new local fiber technicians recruited and trained for a mix of inside (installing equipment, working with customers) and outside (running fiber) work through the VCBB’s training program
• For covered populations, the percent of graduates of VCBB-supported training programs that secure jobs in relevant industries within 12 months of program completion

Goal 6: Improve socio-economic conditions across Vermont.

Objectives and Core Activities

• Ensure fair labor standards among BEAD subgrantees (in line with Vermont’s BEAD Initial Proposal).
  • Oversee BEAD subgrantees to ensure accountability for fair labor standards and encourage recruiting from Covered Populations and other Underrepresented Communities and State-supported apprenticeship programs.
  • Work with the Department of Labor (and other state offices as appropriate) to help employers increase their understanding and adoption of inclusive hiring and retention practices.
  • Invite employers who have already incorporated fair labor standards and inclusive hiring and retention practices to share their resources and recommendations.
  • Encourage BEAD subgrantees to set goals for hiring, management, and retention practices.
• Support workforce development opportunities in broadband-related industries.
  • Support CAIs and work with them to develop or expand programs and resources to increase the use of digital access for socio-economic mobility.
  • Facilitate public-private partnerships on vocational rehabilitation: Work with technology companies on vocational rehabilitation programs that recruit and skill Vermonters from Covered Populations.
• Empower Vermont residents, agencies, organizations, and businesses with the ability to use technology to study, work, communicate, and access health and other social services.
  • Facilitate the development of digital skilling resources focused on in-demand job skills and promote them across the state.
  • Work with the Department of Health to ensure patients are able to access the Internet for telemedicine and remote patient monitoring as well as emergency health services.

Key Performance Indicators

• Economic (for general population and covered populations)
  • Unemployment rate
  • Number of remote workers
  • Median household income level
  • Population change
• Education (for general population and covered populations)
  • High school graduation rates
  • Student performance on college readiness assessment

Vermont Wants to Hear From You

VCBB's draft Digital Equity Plan is open for public comment until December 31, 2023. Members of the public can submit their feedback via email, by mail or by telephone. More information about this and other broadband efforts in Vermont can be found on the VCBB website.

Quick Bits

• What Does Artificial Intelligence Mean for Digital Equity?
• 102 million people eligible for Google’s $630M lawsuit settlement
• Wavelength's RDOF Bids in Default Announced
• Republicans Raise Serious Concerns About the FCC’s Management of the ACP

Weekend Reads (resist tl;dr)

• 2023 California Statewide Digital Equity Survey
• The impact of generative AI on Black communities
• What’s in it for rural? Analyzing the opportunities for rural America in IIJA, CHIPS, and IRA
• 2023 Merger Guidelines

ICYMI from Benton

• Setting the Extremely High Cost Per Location Threshold for BEAD
• Deployment Alone Does Not Tell the Full Story of the Digital Divide
• Working Towards Digital Equity in DC
• ACP Uptake is Strongest in Places Where It's Needed Most
• Researching Digital Equity: With People, For People

Upcoming Events

Jan 11––Digital Literacy: The Key to Getting Americans Online (ITIF)

Jan 16––Hearing on “Click to Cancel” Rulemaking (FTC)

Jan 25––January 2024 Open Federal Communications Commission Meeting (FCC)

Jan 30––Disability Advisory Committee (FCC)

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

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

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

Mar 25––The Right Connection (CENIC)

More in this series:

• 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
• 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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