Making Sense of the Dollars Spent on Digital Equity

States are using digital equity plans to demonstrate how successful digital inclusion efforts can advance progress toward other goals, including improvements to civic and social engagement, economic development, education, health care, and delivery of essential services. For example, broader availability of affordable high-speed internet and digital skills can help residents access government services online, apply for jobs, take online classes, and use telehealth resources. Although these tasks are not the direct focus of the federal Digital Equity Act, measures that boost broadband adoption will enable more households to reap the benefits of the digital economy and multiply the effects of federal infrastructure dollars.

On this week’s Fiber for Breakfast, Kathryn de Wit, Project Director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Broadband Access Initiative, joins Gary to discuss the economics and impact of digital equity investments. Topics will include:

• Aligning larger policy priorities with digital education
• States setting priorities based on local economies, priorities and industries
• The role of digital equity in enabling full participation in the modern economy and society