Digital Equity

One out of 10 city residents don’t have a computer at home, but the city’s new digital equity plan seeks to change that via spending, expanded computer labs, the appointment of a new equity leader and more.

Plus, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance launched a map of affiliates, Utah libraries have new digital resources, and broadband legislation — one of which addresses the future of the BEAD program — has been introduced.

Plus, E-rate program funding is at risk, broadband legislation has been introduced, Massachusetts debuts connectivity initiative, materials from the Office of Educational Technology are once again available, and more.

An interactive online map shows progress made by a handful of Internet service providers laying fiber optic cable to reach homes and businesses in southeast Michigan with high-speed Internet.

Digital navigators across the country show up for their communities by teaching the technical skills people need in an increasingly digital world.

Plus, a report found the Affordable Connectivity Program pays for itself, the BEAD program funding dispute continues, a bill aims to reduce barriers for broadband deployment, Oswego County, N.Y., gets a broadband grant and more.

Plus, the FCC is investigating Comcast for its diversity commitment, the Houston Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy held its second digital symposium, Mississippi has awarded funding for 12 broadband projects, and more.

Plus, Elon Musk has made a cryptic statement about the future of GSA’s 18F team and the Direct File program, Maryland has established a statewide digital infrastructure group, and more.

Plus, Massachusetts and Texas have announced digital equity funding, the General Services Administration has made staff appointments, the FCC chairman rejects rulemaking proposal, and more.

Plus, a new executive order from President Donald Trump calls for a pause on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, NDIA has announced Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, Maine supports digital education and more.

A nonprofit service called eduroam, which has long helped university students securely access wireless networks throughout the U.S. and around the world, is now available or on the way for K-12 students in nine states.

Plus, $117 million in NTIA grants go out, Indiana funds county broadband expansion, the E-BRIDGE Act is now the law of the land, new legislation aims to support rural broadband development, and more.

Plus, the BEAD Progress Dashboard gets updated this week, a comprehensive report examines website accessibility across government, and one Georgia county gets to work on digital inclusion.

Plus, a Florida city is expanding public Wi-Fi in parks, Connecticut released its biannual broadband report, libraries around the country will offer digital literacy training, and more.

This year, local and state governments increased access to digital services for people with disabilities, in part due to a new ruling from the DOJ.

Plus, North Carolina launched a new website to support digital inclusion, Massachusetts is investing in connecting public housing properties, CISA issued mobile communications guidance, and more.

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program has seen significant advances in 2024, and its program director expects this path will continue in 2025 under a new presidential administration.

The money will support the creation of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Digital Learning Lab, designed to bridge the digital divide and equip the community with essential 21st-century skills at the newly renovated library.