Digital equity
Rural students’ access to Wi-Fi is in jeopardy as pandemic-era resources recede
COMMENTARY | Internet access among rural students had begun to decline in 2022, putting them at significant educational disadvantage compared with their better-connected peers. This trend is likely to accelerate with the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
23M low-income households appear set to lose internet subsides
Congressional leaders did not include funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program in its final six spending bills.
States, feds at odds over low-cost broadband option
Virginia says it’s unlawful to set a price for how much a company receiving federal broadband grants can charge low-income households. The feds disagree. They are withholding funding until the state sets a limit.
More than 17M low-income households will experience service disruptions if internet subsidy ends
Without the the Affordable Connectivity program, millions of families could lose internet access that they rely on for work, school and health care, new survey data shows.
How governments handle data matters for inclusion
Algorithms and artificial intelligence can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public services. But if underlying data is not handled thoughtfully, it can mirror and perpetuate existing inequalities.
County officials lobby for internet subsidies
The FCC is currently turning away hundreds of thousands seeking assistance. If Congress doesn’t soon approve more funding, rural and urban county officials warn, millions will be plunged into “digital darkness.”
A robust digital equity plan can boost rural broadband access
A new toolkit from a rural broadband association calls on local leaders to build partnerships, engage in community outreach, and emphasize digital literacy and cybersecurity skills among residents.
3 Simple Steps to Improve Digital Government
COMMENTARY | A customer-centric approach to digital government can help agencies connect more individuals and families with critical services and strengthen the bonds of trust between government and those they serve.
A New Map Could Mean Less Money to Expand Broadband for Some States
The revised map that shows where there is little to no internet service in the U.S. comes as the feds are about to distribute nearly $42.5 billion in broadband funding.
Early State Broadband Spending Shows Policy Evolution
Vermont is using its share of the federal Capital Projects Fund for last-mile connections to underserved rural areas and boosting digital equity among disadvantaged residents.
Solving digital inequity with resident input
The Golden State wants to hear from the public about their broadband connections and device accessibility to better understand how to address digital equity barriers.
Data gaps curtail innovation, digital equity
Insufficient or incomplete information limits governments' ability to leverage data-driven solutions and innovations, according to a recent report.
Featured eBooks
