NTCA Releases SMART Tools for Digital Inclusion to Aid Rural Broadband Adoption

Recognizing that access to the internet, digital devices, and digital literacy are key to bridging the digital divide and opening doors to economic prosperity, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association released a new toolkit to help its small broadband provider members increase broadband adoption and engagement throughout their communities. SMART Tools for Digital Inclusion assists rural broadband providers and state broadband offices in promoting broadband adoption in rural communities by assessing local needs and developing Digital Equity Plans in coordination with new funding opportunities under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. It includes examples of needs assessments, asset inventories and community action plans as well as successful initiatives NTCA members have undertaken to make broadband accessible to their communities.