The Plan for Closing Nevada’s Digital Divide

The Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) is accepting public comment this month on its draft Digital Equity Plan, the state's first statewide-level attempt to eradicate the digital divide. For broadband internet subscriptions, Nevada is slightly above the national rate. According to the 2021 American Community Survey, over 87 percent of Nevadans have a broadband internet subscription and nearly 94 percent of households have a desktop, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other portable wireless computer. OSIT has identified six priorities that will guide its digital equity work over the next five years:

1. Broadband Infrastructure Deployment: Deploy modern, scalable broadband infrastructure to underserved and underserved residential, business, and community anchor locations so that all Nevadans have access to affordable, reliable and scalable high-speed internet access with minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps scaling beyond 100/100 Mbps.
2. Adoption: More Nevadans have a home internet subscription and use the internet for dedication, healthcare, workforce development, work, civic engagement, business, and keeping in touch with family and friends.
3. Affordability: Provide resources and execute strategies that help more Nevadans afford the internet.
4. Device Access: Provide Nevadans the opportunity to access affordable, quality connected devices.
5. Digital Literacy: Provide Nevadans access to opportunities to increase their digital skills, including cybersecurity, and access to the technology support needed to use the internet and a connected device.
6. Awareness and Sustainability: Ensure that leaders across Nevada understand what digital equity is, the challenge of the digital divide, and funding and capacity is in place long-term to close it.