City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania create Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition

City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald created the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition (PDEC), a working group of anchor organizations already working to promote digital equity and smaller community groups with intimate knowledge of the community need. To address the gaps in digital skills, low-cost high-speed internet services, access to devices, and technical assistance, a coordinated effort led by County and City officials along with leaders from other anchor institutions will allow the Pittsburgh region to submit well-rounded applications for enough funding to make digital equity a reality in the years to come. PDEC’s strategy to close the digital divide will focus on achieving:

• Reliable, robust broadband internet for all residents at a price point they can afford;
• Access to a computing device that meets the needs of the end-users;
• Digital skills to safely and securely use the internet for resident needs; and
• Accessible technical support when technology breaks.

The PDEC expects to publish its five-year plan in the 2nd quarter of 2023.