NTIA Accepts West Virginia's Digital Equity Plan

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted West Virginia’s Digital Equity plan. Using $728,065 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, West Virginia created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state. States are continuing to submit their plans for NTIA’s acceptance, and NTIA will accept plans on a rolling basis. In the coming months, NTIA will launch the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Key objectives include:

1. Increase enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program, contingent on the continued funding for the program
2. Create a program to provide device distribution, lending, and recycling
3. Ensure citizens receive technical assistance for their newly acquired devices
4. Make digital literacy training in cybersecurity, privacy, telehealth, and more, available to all West Virginians, including all covered populations
5. Ensure websites and online services hosted by state agencies are accessible for all West Virginians