Diversity

The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation (RWDF) submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) highlighting the need to connect broadband infrastructure programs to systemic inequity. In doing so, the Foundation elevated the needs of BIPOC communities who face compounded social inequalities in an increasingly digitized world.

AARP submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) urging the agency to encourage states to integrate digital literacy programs and data-driven planning into their funding strategies for programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. "AARP looks forward to partnering with NTIA during the upcoming years to support NTIA’s effective disbursement and oversight of the significant increase in public monies to advance broadband deployment and digital equity," stated AARP in its comments.

New America's Open Technology Institute (OTI) wrote and submitted a letter—alongside Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, MediaJustice, and Public Knowledge—requesting the Federal Communications Commission commit resources and energy to ensure communities beyond English speakers are made aware of the opportunity provided by the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The Federal Communications Commission announced that it is partnering with the Institute of Museum and Library Services to expand broadband connectivity to Tribal libraries. The agencies will team up to raise awareness about the E-Rate program among Tribal libraries and organizations, which can use program funds to increase broadband access to serve their communities. To kick off this partnership, the agencies recently reached out to all 574 Tribal leaders to provide information about the E-Rate program and opportunities for Tribal libraries to participate.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the appointment of eight Tribal members to the FCC’s Native Nations Communications Task Force. In addition to filling seven current vacancies, the appointment of eight new Tribal members raises the total number of Tribal Task Force members from 25 to 26. The Task Force’s mission is to provide guidance, expertise, and recommendations to specific requests from the FCC on a range of communications issues that directly or indirectly affect Tribal governments and their people.

However challenging it is to solve the digital divide across the US, it's even harder for Tribal communities. According to a 2021 report from the Federal Communications Commission, 79.1 percent of the population on Tribal lands can access broadband at the minimum speed of 25/3 Mbps. That compares to 82.7 percent of the rural US and 98.8 percent of urban areas.

This study examines how municipal governments have constructed the concept of digital equity through textual evidence, the digital equity plans of Kansas City (MO), Portland (OR), San Francisco (CA), and Seattle (WA). Adopting an approach from critical discourse studies, comparative analysis of the texts demonstrates how digital equity plans conceive of digital equity, characterize current problematic circumstances, and prescribe actions to make change.

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced it has awarded three additional grants as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. These grants, totaling $1.5 million, are being awarded to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in Lincoln (OR) and two Alaskan villages: the Village of Clarks Point and the Native Village of Selawik.

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order updating rules in the E-Rate program to clarify that Tribal libraries can access funding to provide affordable internet access in their communities. The Order updates the definition of “library” in the E-Rate program rules to make clear that it includes Tribal libraries, resolving a longstanding issue that limited their access to affordable broadband connectivity through the program.

The head of the National Urban League is calling on the Senate Commerce Committee to favorably report Democrat Gigi Sohn [Senior Fellow and Public Advocate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society]'s Federal Communications Commission nomination to the full Senate and to work actively for a vote in that body.