The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society looks at all of the state Digital Equity Plans that are available…
As all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico draft and release their digital equity plans, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is tracking how they articulate their visions of digital equity. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) suggests that digital equity visions address at least these two questions:
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What will digital equity look like in the context of your state?
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What are the broad goals that should be accomplished in executing this plan (e.g., improve rural health outcomes, increase underrepresented youth employment in technology-related fields)?
Here’s what they gleaned from Minnesota…
Minnesota: A future where digital equity connects all Minnesota residents to opportunities, options, and each other.
This is the rare case where I am at least as interested in what other states are saying and pulling out the visions makes it a lot more practical to do that breadth of research. Minnesota’s vision is broad. Many visions are broadband; most almost mention affordability, skill to use technology and access. A coupe added a goal timeline; Nevada aims for 2029 and Washington aims for 2028.