To build lasting digital equity, look to communities

Local digital access projects around the country stand out because they are driven by residents maximizing their own creativity, imagination, and energy to do more than just provide internet service. They are cultivating relationships to solve their own problems and more importantly promote community well-being. In the process, they are bridging the digital divide. As Congress and the Biden-Harris administration consider a bold infrastructure funding package that could make broadband more accessible and affordable, they should support these local efforts. In fact, the impetus to funding novel and community-grounded solutions to the digital divide has never been more important: digital inequities are tied to other deep-rooted structural barriers that limit fair and just opportunities for health, wealth and advancement. Without internet access, you can’t even register for a COVID vaccine. If we are to achieve digital equity and close the divide, we must let local providers in and fund them as they develop partnerships and learn with industry players and local governments.

[Greta Byrum is director of Policy for Community Tech NY and leads Digital Equity initiatives for The New School for Social Research.]