From Vermont’s Digital Equity Plan (December 2023) | See Benton summary
The State of Vermont seeks to ensure every individual in Vermont—regardless of identity, community, or economic challenges—has high-quality, accessible, affordable technology resources. This aligns with how Vermont has designed its Five-Year Action Plan for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, in which Vermont seeks to ensure Vermonters—now and in the future—have universal access to reliable, high-quality, affordable, fixed broadband at speeds of at least 100/100 Megabits per second (Mbps), and that all Vermonters and Vermont institutions have the tools and skills to maximize the value Internet connectivity can offer.
The social and economic benefits of high-quality Internet connectivity and information technology are now widely understood and accepted. Connectivity has become integral to everyday activities from regular social interactions and access to media to participating in school or pursuing a career, responding to emergencies, improving farming efficiency and agricultural output, and combatting climate change.
Vermont’s BEAD and Digital Equity programs will be a success if, by 2034:
- Vermonters have universal broadband access: All Vermont households have access to reliable, high-quality, affordable fixed broadband services.
- Vermonters are connected: At least 90 percent of Vermonters have subscribed to broadband service. At least 70 percent of eligible households have enrolled in a broadband service subsidy program (i.e., the Affordable Connectivity Program—known as the ACP). Those who are unhoused, incarcerated, or otherwise lack a home broadband connection can access the Internet and technology through community anchor institutions and correctional facilities.
- Vermonters have connected devices: 95 percent of households own a laptop, tablet, or personal computer.
- Vermonters have the skills and confidence to use information technology productively and safely: 80 percent of the population surveyed reports confidence in their digital literacy.
- Vermonters are empowered to study and work: At least 200 jobs are created, and Vermonters are employed within the state in broadband deployment. Vermonters are able to work remotely with reliable connectivity, even when they live in rural or remote areas. Vermonters can take advantage of remote learning opportunities to either continue or enhance their education and career pursuits.
- Vermonters can and do connect to essential services: All Vermonters, especially those in need of health and social services, are able to learn about and benefit from those services available to them in the State.
- Digital Equity is institutionalized as a priority across all state agencies and embedded in public services.