National Digital Inclusion Alliance
First State Digital Equity Capacity Grant is Awarded and the Competitive Grant Program will Launch Any Day
Well, folks, the day we’ve been waiting for is finally here—the Digital Equity Act funds are finally making their way to communities around the country to support digital inclusion work on the ground.
Michigan’s Broadband Office Prioritizing Digital Equity Sustainability through a Proposed Digital Inclusion Fund
Michigan is once again leading the country with its innovation. This time, however, the innovation isn’t new technology—but a funding strategy that would catalyze new technologies, and ensure access to jobs, healthcare, education, and government services are available and accessible in perpetuity.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program: What We Know and What’s to Come
The release of the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on March 29th triggered the countdown for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) mandates releasing the Competitive Grant NOFO within 30 days of the first Capacity award, so we expect it by late summer/early fall 2024. We will not know all the specifics until the NOFO is released.
NDIA Continues to Fight for Rigorous Digital Discrimination Rules
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has warned policymakers about digital redlining, a discriminatory practice that prevents certain populations from having internet access, since 2017. Thanks in part to these warnings and advocacy efforts, the creation of digital discrimination rules was mandated in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
NDIA Publishes Digital Inclusion Coalitions Webpage
Digital Inclusion Coalitions have long been critical to creating robust and sustainable digital equity ecosystems. They collaborate to pool together resources and capacity to make things happen that one individual or organization alone could not do. Coalitions exemplify the spirit of our digital inclusion community because they represent the unique values and perspectives of the residents of their hometowns, regions, and states. But the efforts and outputs of Digital Inclusion Coalitions may not be known outside of their direct impact locally, let alone outside of the digital equity space.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is Popular because it Works
Time’s almost up for Congress to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Without the funding, 23+ million households risk losing internet access. This federally funded program has made a huge difference in people’s lives, but its future remains uncertain. As many of you prepare for what’s next, we’re making one last push to remind Congress of what’s at stake.
State Digital Equity Implementation Manual
This manual supports States, Territories, and the District of Columbia as they implement their digital equity plans and create sustainable, robust statewide digital equity ecosystems.
Low-Cost Internet Plan Model
In the absence of the Affordable Connectivity Program, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) encourages ISPs to offer a low-cost plan and/or a discount to qualifying households. NDIA is creating a good-better-best rating system to evaluate the affordability and quality of low-cost internet plans. The rating system will be featured on the Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans webpage to help consumers understand their low-cost options.
Presenting the 2024 Digital Equity Champions!
One of Net Inclusion’s cherished traditions is presenting the recipients of the prestigious Charles Benton Digital Equity Award. Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) created the awards to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity. Since NDIA’s creation of the award in 2016, we have recognized 15 Digital Equity Champions, and we are thrilled to welcome this year’s remarkable awardees: