What’s New in Digital Equity: Highlights of the Week
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital equity and broadband access, this week has brought forth significant discussions, initiatives, and challenges. From pivotal gatherings like Net Inclusion 2025 in Arizona to the launch of the Coalition on Digital Impact, a lot is happening that aims to bridge the digital divide. Let’s delve into the key highlights, initiatives, and developments making headlines.
Net Inclusion 2025 Highlights
This week, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) hosted the Net Inclusion 2025 event within the Gila River Indian Community, located just outside Phoenix, Arizona. This annual assembly stands as the country’s hallmark gathering for digital inclusion advocates, where stakeholders come together to discuss strategies and share successes.
Among notable sessions, Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis emphasized the urgent need for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding. He called upon the federal administration to release these funds swiftly, underscoring their critical role in enabling first responders and addressing pressing issues like the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis.
As a sentiment shared by many attendees, the threat to federal funding for digital equity programs was a major point of concern. NDIA’s Executive Director, Angela Siefer, articulated the personal stakes involved, noting that attacks on such programs resonate deeply with those advocating for digital equity.
In conjunction with the event, NDIA introduced a comprehensive toolkit for the Digital Navigator program, aiming to help communities implement effective digital navigation resources. For those who missed the action, NDIA will host a webinar on May 30 to showcase this toolkit.
Coalition on Digital Impact Launches
In a significant move, the Coalition on Digital Impact (CODI) was launched this week, drawing together a diverse group of technologists and advocacy organizations. The coalition aims to tackle the challenge of internet access in various languages and dialects, highlighting the fact that while there are over 7,000 languages globally, only a handful dominate online content.
CODI plans to initiate impactful projects in the coming months. This includes a study examining how language affects internet access and a monitoring system to recognize domains that accommodate international and multilingual formats. By creating educational campaigns and resources, CODI seeks to promote a more inclusive online environment.
Future of Federal Funding Uncertain
Amidst hopeful discussions, uncertainty looms over the future of federal funding aimed at enhancing digital equity. Recently, former President Donald Trump expressed intentions to halt the funding provided by the Digital Equity Act (DEA). Although he cannot legally overturn an enacted law, the suspension of pre-awarded funding has raised fears among advocates.
Cindy Hohl, President of the American Library Association, voiced concerns regarding the consequences for communities relying on these funds, emphasizing how crucial the DEA is for veterans and students alike. States are now left grappling with the loss, illustrated by Vermont’s cancellation of its Digital Equity Capacity Grant, which was intended to impact a broad segment of the population.
Furthermore, the ongoing review of the BEAD Program funding has frozen additional allocations. Lawmakers have urged the government to adhere to legal precedents and ensure the rollout of these funds continues without unnecessary delays.
FCC Reports on Internet Access
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released its report titled "Internet Access Services," detailing the state of internet connectivity as of June 30, 2024. The report reveals a 2.5 percent increase in total internet connections over the past year, alongside insights into upstream and downstream speeds. The data also contextualizes subscribership disparities in relation to demographic factors like income and education.
In another noteworthy development, Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier for $20 billion was approved by the FCC, expecting to enhance broadband offerings across 25 states. However, the deal also comes with a commitment to end controversial diversity practices under scrutiny.
Massachusetts Expands Internet in Public Housing
In a positive stride toward enhancing digital access, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative announced significant funding aimed at upgrading internet services in over 15,793 affordable housing units. The Residential Retrofit Program, supported by an impressive $22.26 million grant, aims to modernize outdated infrastructure, benefiting low-income families across the state.
This funding round follows previous allocations and marks a considerable commitment to rectifying long-standing issues regarding internet accessibility in public housing. The state has also initiated digital literacy training to complement the infrastructure upgrades, ensuring residents gain the skills necessary to fully utilize their new access.
Clallam County Plans Fiber Expansion
Moving to local initiatives, Clallam County, Washington is making strides in broadband access with a partnership with Astound, aiming to extend high-speed fiber internet to rural communities. The ambitious project, costing $22.2 million, includes various funding sources and aims to connect over 1,500 homes to high-speed internet.
This project demonstrates a concerted effort at the local level to leverage resources and ensure rural residents are not left behind in the digital landscape.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of digital equity, the initiatives and discussions this week illustrate a significant push for inclusivity in the digital realm. With a mixture of progress, uncertainty, and urgent calls to action, it’s clear that the journey toward universal digital access is far from over.
