From draft of the State of Maryland’s Statewide Digital Equity Plan (November 2023)
Broadband access and digital equity are integral to the wellbeing of the State of Maryland in the 21st century, serving as a linchpin for economic opportunity and community development, offering a pathway to increased innovation, entrepreneurship, and overall prosperity.
The State of Maryland envisions a future where every individual, regardless of their location or background, has full access to high-speed internet connectivity and the tools necessary to harness its transformative potential. In this vision, urban and rural communities alike can fully participate in the digital economy. In this vision, comprehensive infrastructure investment will eliminate connectivity gaps, bridging the urban-rural divide and fostering a connected ecosystem that empowers residents, businesses, and governments to thrive in a digital society.
In this vision, digital equity goes beyond infrastructure, emphasizing digital literacy and skills development as critical components. Citizens are equipped with the knowledge to confidently navigate the digital landscape, access online resources, and protect their privacy and security. Digital skills training is integrated into educational curricula, workforce development programs, and community initiatives to create an informed and empowered citizenry. Furthermore, the vision envisions targeted support for underserved communities, ensuring that they are not left behind in the digital transformation.
In this vision, all Maryland residents will have access to the following five critical elements of digital equity:
- Access to affordable, reliable internet connectivity at home: Access to affordable and reliable internet connectivity at home is a cornerstone of digital equity as it ensures that individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can participate fully in the digital world. In an increasingly interconnected society, essential services, education, job opportunities, and civic engagement largely occur online. Lack of affordable internet access can occur in both rural and urban communities. Closing this divide will ensure that residents located in every part of Maryland have equal access to critical information and resources that drive personal and professional growth.
- A computing device and opportunity to maintain it: A modern and fully capable computing device is a necessary element of effective internet use and a gateway to education, employment, healthcare, and social interactions. Access to a computing device, with technical support to maintain it, means that all Maryland residents have the tools necessary to succeed in the digital age.
- Opportunity to learn digital skills: The opportunity to learn digital skills is a linchpin of digital equity because it empowers individuals to harness the potential of technology effectively and safely. Digital literacy is essential for navigating online platforms, communicating, evaluating information, and engaging in the modern world.
- Tools and information to be safe online: Providing tools and information to be safe online is a critical component of digital equity, ensuring that all individuals can navigate the digital landscape securely. Cyber threats and privacy breaches are risks faced by everyone online.
- Online State resources that are accessible and usable: Ensuring that online State resources are accessible and usable for all residents supports equal access to government services, information, and civic participation. An inclusive approach to digital design ensures that individuals with disabilities, limited digital literacy, or language barriers can fully engage with State resources.
Maryland’s digital equity efforts will be guided by a set of core principles that prioritize inclusivity, effectiveness, and sustainability. These principles lay the foundation for ensuring that State of Maryland digital equity efforts address the digital divide comprehensively, prudently, and responsibly. OSB therefore adopts the following framework principles for digital equity efforts:
- Inclusivity and accessibility: Digital equity programs should prioritize inclusivity. Programs should be designed with accessibility in mind, accommodating different needs and preferences.
- Equitable access: Efforts should focus on equitable access to affordable high-speed internet connectivity, computing devices, and necessary software. This involves identifying underserved areas and populations, working to bridge the urban-rural digital divide, and ensuring that economic disparities do not hinder access to essential digital tools and services. \
- Community engagement and collaboration: Efforts should prioritize active participation and collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, private sector partners, educational institutions, and residents. Engaging stakeholders ensures that strategies align with local needs, leverage available resources, and create a collective impact.
- Sustainability: Digital equity planning should aim for long-term sustainability. Sustainable funding models, public-private partnerships, and leveraging existing infrastructure can contribute to the ongoing success of these programs.
- Data-driven decision making: Using data to inform strategy, program design, implementation, and evaluation is vital. Regularly collecting and analyzing data helps identify gaps, measure outcomes, and refine strategies for continuous improvement.
By adhering to these core principles, the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband seeks to develop a Digital Equity Plan that affords all individuals the opportunity to harness the benefits of the digital world.