The Delaware Digital Equity plan has been approved. What’s next?

The Delaware Broadband Initiative hit a major milestone when its State Digital Equity Plan was formally federally approved, making the state officially eligible for millions in funding to execute it. The Digital Equity Plan was developed over months of stakeholder engagement, public meetings, surveys, polls and a public comment period. Delaware now expects to receive about $12 million in federal Digital Equity Act funds under the Internet for All initiative. The state will eventually grant funds to various entities, ranging from internet service providers (ISPs) to workforce development programs, to make the plan a reality. Delaware is the second state, after Louisiana, to receive equity plan approval. It’s anticipated to be the first state in the US to achieve 100 percent high-speed broadband access, which includes infrastructure, accessibility and affordability. Delaware Broadband Office Executive Director Roddy Flynn held a virtual town hall to discuss the process’ immediate future. Here are the takeaways.