Category Archives: Digital Divide

OPPORTUNITY: Digital Inclusion Coalitions invited to take survey

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The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is inviting Digital Inclusion Coalitions to take a survey. The NDIA do a lot of great work. This could help them help you…

This fall we opened a survey and have been gathering information about Digital Inclusion Coalitions across the country to learn about where they are, various types of organizational structures, and most important, the work.

Make sure you’re counted! If you are a member of a Coalition we ask that you share this link with your fellow members and ask for one person to complete this short survey. If you know of a Coalition locally, then please spread awareness of this survey.

We’re looking forward to sharing a summary of our findings this winter on our Coalitions webpage along with several tools for folks to find Coalitions and learn more about their work. Look out for an interactive map and a searchable inventory to be hosted on that page as well.

But first, please complete this survey and spread awareness! The survey will close next Friday November 15.

https://ndia.jotform.com/242615310210034

Thanks for the work that you do.

EVENT Nov 14: Digital Equity for Indian Country

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An invitation from NDIA…

Digital equity is essential for Native Nations to build thriving communities. This can be achieved through affordable and reliable broadband services, access to suitable devices, and providing trusted training and support in digital skills to address their educational, health, economic, cultural, and social needs.

EJ John, J.D., a Senior Research Analyst at the American Indian Policy Institute, will provide insights on digital equity within the framework of Tribal sovereignty. He will cover the history of Tribal broadband, the significance of meaningful data, and the importance of essential partnerships within Tribal communities.

When: November 14th at 2pm ET
How to join: Register for the webinar here.

EVENT Nov 12: Veterans and Digital Equity: Planning for Success

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An invitation from Benton Institute for Broadband & Society…

Join us on November 12th at 2 PM ET on the Benton Institute’s Youtube page and X account for a discussion about how states are meeting the digital technology needs of Veterans.

The Digital Equity Act identifies Veterans as a covered population, recognizing that Veterans disproportionately experience inadequate access to technology and the Internet. This lack of access becomes more visible when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) tries to employ telemedicine and other technology-enabled approaches to serving Veterans.

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society has worked with the VA’s Office of Connected Care and Office of Rural Engagement to analyze state digital equity plans and highlight some of the most promising approaches to address Veterans’ broadband and digital technology needs.

To mark Veterans Day, we will launch a research report and hold a webinar with state and federal officials and valued non-profit partners for a focused discussion on the needs, perspectives, and possibilities for better connectivity Veterans.

Reid Sharkey of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society will moderate a panel with the following speakers:

  • Dr. Leonie Heyworth, Deputy Director for Clinical Services, Telehealth Services, Office of Connected Care, Digital Health Office, VHA, Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Dr. Lindsey Thurgood, Digital Access Program Manager, Utah Broadband Center
  • Mark Casper, President and CEO, Tech For Troops
  • Walter Prescher, Digital Navigator, BridgingApps Rep, Easter Seals Greater Houston

Watch the webinar on Youtube

Watch the webinar on X

Please RSVP

Bipartisan group of senators looking at USF – could ACP be part of the solution?

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Newsweek reports…

To revive the ACP, Congress will need to reauthorize it. But it’s not looking likely.

Unfortunately, it’s coming down to details on reforms. Some members take issue with the ACP’s rather expansive eligibility, which may lead to wasteful spending. Some argue that there is a lot of abuse of the program given the self-certification model that some providers used.

Here’s the good news: Both sides seem willing to make compromises. The bad news is that conversations have completely stalled.

The reality is that, if Congress cannot reach a consensus on the ACP to address affordability, it only puts more strain on existing programs like Lifeline, which is funded by the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF).

But USF programs are far from perfect.

USF is a general fund that pays for four subsidy programs: Lifeline, the High-Cost Program, the Rural Health Fund, and E-Rate. Lifeline and E-Rate are the ones most akin to the ACP. Lifeline provides subsidized telephone and broadband services to low-income individuals. E-Rate provides discounts for telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections to schools and libraries.

Even though these programs seem arcane, you most likely unknowingly interact with USF already—because you, the consumer, fund it when you pay your monthly phone bill as a surcharge for your service. Since 2002, the tax to you has steadily risen from 6.8 percent to an astonishing 34.4 percent, increasing your phone service cost. Sadly, that figure is only going to increase further.

Not only is consumer cost a concern, but USF programs are notoriously inefficient at closing the digital divide. Keep in mind, Lifeline has been around since 1985 and has yet to make similar dents to broadband adoption that ACP has accomplished in just three years. And USF compliance costs are fairly high for companies seeking to participate.

Fortunately, a bipartisan group of senators is looking into USF reform and, even better, there are solutions on which both parties can agree. One is for Congress to simply roll the ACP into USF’s contribution regime and have it take the place of less efficient programs with similar mandates, like Lifeline.

Much of what I read daily is industry publications. It’s always interesting to look at what a mainstream source, such as Newsweek, is saying. They hit on the topics that they think will interest more folks, and in an area such as telecom, they focus on making it easy to understand. It’s worth the extra minute to read the full article.

EVENT Nov 12: Veterans and Digital Equity: Planning for Success

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From the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society…

Register for Veterans and Digital Equity: Planning for Success

Join us on November 12th at 2 PM ET on the Benton Institute’s Youtube page and X account for a discussion about how states are meeting the digital technology needs of Veterans.

The Digital Equity Act identifies Veterans as a covered population, recognizing that Veterans disproportionately experience inadequate access to technology and the Internet. This lack of access becomes more visible when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) tries to employ telemedicine and other technology-enabled approaches to serving Veterans.

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society has worked with the VA’s Office of Connected Care and Office of Rural Engagement to analyze state digital equity plans and highlight some of the most promising approaches to address Veterans’ broadband and digital technology needs.

To mark Veterans Day, we will launch a research report and hold a webinar with state and federal officials and valued non-profit partners for a focused discussion on the needs, perspectives, and possibilities for better connectivity Veterans.

Reid Sharkey of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society will moderate a panel with the following speakers:

  • Dr. Leonie Heyworth, Deputy Director for Clinical Services, Telehealth Services, Office of Connected Care, Digital Health Office, VHA, Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Dr. Lindsey Thurgood, Digital Access Program Manager, Utah Broadband Center
  • Mark Casper, President and CEO, Tech For Troops
  • Walter Prescher, Digital Navigator, BridgingApps Rep, Easter Seals Greater Houston

Watch the webinar on Youtube

Watch the webinar on X

Please RSVP here.

Broadband access is a voting issue

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Medium reports on the impact of the digital divide on potential voters. Their focus in on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, but I think the factors they mention are true for anyone with limited and broadband access…

With the election less than a week away and access to reliable election information more important than ever, what happens when communities lack internet access?

When our lives, from morning to night, revolve around access to the internet, the impact of not having broadband can be severe. Despite the constant connectivity many of us take for granted, millions of Americans still experience the digital divide. We can look to the popularity and success of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a broadband subsidy program for low-income families, as a testament to this widespread issue: with over 23 million households enrolled at the time of its closing, this program underscores the need for greater access to affordable high-speed internet.

As election day quickly approaches, access to the internet is more important than ever. Yet, 17% of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) don’t have access to reliable high-speed internet at home. For communities without broadband, engaging in the voting process becomes more difficult and could deter voter participation.

Digital devices are the most common way Americans get their news, with a large majority of U.S. adults (86%) saying they “at least sometimes” get their news from a smartphone, computer, or tablet. However, for those without reliable internet, accessing up-to-date information about voter registration, polling locations, and deadlines can be challenging.

In the absence of reliable broadband connections, many AANHPIs rely on mobile phones for internet access. Those engaging with information about elections and candidates on mobile phones may be more likely to simply read headlines or quickly skim information, thus potentially missing critical context. Lateral reading, which involves opening several browser windows and looking for the same piece of information across several sources, and other media literacy practices also become difficult on a mobile device.

VP Harris has plan to reinstate the Affordable Connectivity Program

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Vice President Kamala Harris has plan to improve economic opportunities, especially for black men…

This year, Vice President Harris launched a first-of-its-kind, nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour to help entrepreneurs access the capital and resources they need to launch and grow their businesses, build wealth, and strengthen their communities—especially Black male entrepreneurs. While traveling across the country to cities like Atlanta, Detroit, and Charlotte, she heard powerful stories from Black men about the biggest hurdles that still make it too difficult for them to get their businesses off the ground and grow them to meet their full ambitions and discussed policies that can help break down remaining barriers to success.

That includes reinstating ACP…

Providing Black men and their families with reliable, low-cost internet access, by reenacting the Affordable Connectivity Program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program provided 23 million households with up to $30 off of their monthly internet bills and a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. This program connected an estimated 5.5 million Black households to affordable high-speed internet, closing the digital divide for millions of Black families. Vice President Harris will reenact this popular program, which ended June of this year, to ensure that Black men and their families throughout the country are able to connect to the internet and obtain the financial, educational, and employment opportunities that come from reliable internet access.

Harris-Walz rural proposal urges Congress to restore Affordable Connectivity Program

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday unveiled his ticket’s plans to improve the lives of rural voters, as Vice President Kamala Harris looks to cut into former President Donald Trump’s support.

The plane also urges Congress to restore the Affordable Connectivity Program, a program launched by President Joe Biden that expired in June that provided up to $30 off home internet bills, and for lawmakers to require equipment manufacturers to grant farmers the right to repair their products.

Connecticut has 99 percent broadband coverage – but so do many MN Counties. What can we learn?

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Telecompetitor reports on Connecticut and their plans to close the digital divide based. Their broadband coverage is good (99 percent) but adoption could use some help. Nine of Minnesota’s 87 counties had better than 99 percent coverage when I looked last year, which puts them in a similar position  Connecticut, so I thought it would be interesting to see what they are planning…

When it comes to connectivity, Connecticut (pun intended) is in the enviable situation of having 99% of its locations already powered by broadband. But statewide usage statistics — from the American Community Survey and providers’ adoption data — showed that only about 87% of its locations actually subscribe to internet. That roughly 12% gap means the state has other priorities for broadband funding than many less-well-connected states.

That’s what Connecticut’s Director of Telecommunications and Broadband Kevin Pisacich told Telecompetitor when he spoke with us recently. “We’re not just looking at access; we’re also looking at adoption and affordability.”

Here’s part of their approach, they work with other agencies at the onset…

Today, Pisacich and his four-person broadband team are embedded in the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and work closely with other state agencies, including the Office of Policy and Management, which helps with broadband mapping and availability data; the state’s Commission for Educational Technology, which works on digital equity issues; the Office of Consumer Counsel, which helps with provider/consumer issues; and an in-house legal team.

“Our programs are really well-informed by community input,” Pisacich said, describing his office’s practice of holding statewide convenings with local leaders, Tribal leaders, and broadband providers.

Also, they are slicing up territories in a way to maximize applications that provide the best broadband affordable to an area…

In breaking up the state into workable regions, the Connecticut broadband office is asking grant applicants to propose bringing fiber to every location. But, Pisacich says, “terrestrial-based providers may not be able to serve those locations without huge costs, so they may not even bid.”

As a result, the office is allowing the islands to be separated into their own region, when needed. That way, one provider can bring fiber to the area aside from the islands, and other providers employing alternative technologies can deliver broadband to the islands.

By using this approach, Pisacich expects to receive “multiple applications, have multiple options, and then we’ll be able to get those harder locations served within the timeframe.”

Learn more about the Broadband Consumer Labels

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Remember when grocery stores starting posting cost-per-weight unit of items on the shelves? It was a game changer for me. Broadband speeds, prices, contract info are a lot more difficult to understand. And now the FCC requires broadband consumer labels to help…

Broadband Labels (Internet de Banda Ancha Etiquetas – en español) are designed to provide clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate information about the cost and performance of high-speed internet services.

The labels are modeled after the FDA nutrition labels and are intended to help consumers comparison shop for the internet service plan that will best meet their needs and budget.

Internet service providers that offer home, or fixed, internet services, or mobile broadband plans are required to have a label for each standalone broadband service plan they offer.

Consumers should look for broadband labels at any point of sale, including online and in stores.

The labels must disclose important information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds. They also include links to information about network management practices and privacy policies.

A glossary (glosario en español) is available to help consumers better understand the information displayed on the label.

To review a sample home internet, or fixed, label created by the FCC, download the home internet label in PDF format. You can also review a sample mobile broadband label in PDF format.

While many providers began displaying their labels in April of 2024, providers with less than 100,000 subscribers have until Oct. 10, 2024, to comply with the FCC rules to display broadband labels at their points of sale.

Filing a complaint

If a provider is not displaying their labels or has posted inaccurate information about its fees or service plans, consumers can file a complaint with the FCC Consumer Complaint Center .

If you have a question about accessibility requirements for the Consumer Broadband Disclosure Labels, contact the FCC’s Disability Rights office at 202-418-2517 for a voice phone call, at 844-432-2275 by videophone, or by email at DRO@fcc.gov.

FCC waives Lifeline requirements for phone and broadband subsidies for hurricane/storm victims

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The FCC reports…

In this Order, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) takes quick action to assist those affected by Hurricane Milton and future hurricanes, typhoons, tropical storms, and tropical cyclones (together, “tropical weather systems”) by temporarily waiving certain Lifeline program eligibility rules to ensure that consumers receiving federal disaster assistance can easily apply for and enroll in the Lifeline program.  Hurricane Milton caused significant power and infrastructure disruptions, in addition to property damage in homes, schools, libraries, businesses, and health care facilities in impacted areas.  Because of the exigent circumstances that arose from Hurricane Milton, we find that there is good cause for further action to expeditiously ensure that households receive critical assistance for their communications needs in the aftermath of hurricanes and other tropical weather systems in the near term.  As such, on our own motion, and consistent with the guidance detailed below, we temporarily waive the Lifeline eligibility requirements to permit households not already enrolled in the Lifeline program to enter the program if they are receiving individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program (IHP) as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Milton or other hurricanes or other tropical weather systems that result in a Presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster that occur during the next six months.[1]  Such waiver will run for at least six months from the date of the declaration.

[1] See 42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq. (Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act).

NTIA Receives More Than 700 Applications Seeking Over $6.5 Billion for Digital Equity Projects

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From NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration)…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it received more than 700 applications requesting more than $6.5 billion in funding to support digital equity projects across the country.

That is more than six times the available amount from the first round of the Digital Equity Act’s Competitive Grant Program funding.

“The overwhelming interest in our digital equity funding underscores the urgent need for access to digital resources in communities across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “Thanks to historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our program will help veterans, communities of color, older Americans and other historically underserved populations thrive in the digital world.”

The first round of funding from the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program makes nearly $1 billion available to organizations that will work to ensure communities have access to devices and skills needed to fully participate in the digital ecosystem.

NTIA is evaluating the applications and will begin making awards on a rolling basis this winter. This Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program funding opportunity includes funds appropriated for Fiscal Years 2022-2025.

The overall $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. Additional funding opportunities from the program will be available in the future. The Competitive Grant Program complements the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.

Applications for this first round of funding were due September 23, 2024. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of states, such as city and county governments; Native entities including Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, or Native Hawaiian organizations; certain nonprofits; community anchor institutions; local educational agencies; and workforce development organizations. United States Territories are eligible to apply for funding under a separate set-aside.

About the Digital Equity Act  

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.

In 2022, NTIA began awarding $60 million to states, D.C., and territories from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Since then, all 56 eligible entities (states, D.C., and U.S. territories) submitted their Digital Equity Plans and NTIA has accepted all plans.

In March 2024, NTIA made available over $800 million to states, D.C. and territories, and Native entities to apply for funding from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding allows states and territories to begin implementation of their digital equity plans and allows Native entities to create digital equity plans and other digital equity projects. NTIA will continue to announce awards from the State Capacity Grant Program on a rolling basis.

EVENT Oct 10: Broadband and Communication Service for the Deaf 

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An invitation from Next Century Cities…

This Thursday, October 10th at 12pm EDT, Next Century Cities is hosting a Broadband Accessibility Webinar with Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) discussing insufficient broadband accessibility in the US for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

As a member and/or friend of NCC we invite you to attend this webinar to learn about the importance of accessible communication and the ways that broadband access, and Direct Video Calling create equitable opportunities and support for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Please register for the event on Zoom, we look forward to seeing you on Thursday at 12pm EDT

Local Digital Equity Coalition Building conversation with ILSR

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I listened to the Institute for Local Self Reliance‘s podcast on Digital Equity Coalition Building (seen below) yesterday, while walking in the unbelievable St Paul autumn sun. It is inspiring and offers practical advice, with folks talking about what they are doing. There’s also some nice framing of the importance of broadband as a tool that can lift us up when we have it or hold us back when we don’t. So, it’s importance to recognize who is getting broadband easily and who needs more help and what are the causes.

Affordability makes every state’s list of barriers to broadband adoption

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Pew looked at all the state plans for applications for BEAD. Here’s what they found…

The Pew Charitable Trusts reviewed all 52 plans to assess the range of goals and planned uses for the funding. This analysis addresses how states are including broadband access and affordability in their digital equity goals.

Pew’s analysis found that every state plan identified the lack of affordable access as the leading barrier to digital equity. These findings are not surprising, given that price, not availability, is one of the leading obstacles to unconnected households getting home broadband services. For low-income households and people living on fixed incomes, such as many people age 60 and older, the price burden of internet results in them being cut off from the benefits that a high-speed connection can provide: from access to health care and education to staying connected to family and friends.

Here are some of the plans…

In addition to committing to reaching all unserved and underserved locations and increasing consumer access to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream/20 Mbps upstream service (the minimum speed standard set by the BEAD program), at least 22 states also plan to increase or promote public Wi-Fi options by expanding access at what are known as community anchor institutions (CAIs), such as libraries, schools, and public housing authorities, as well as at indoor and outdoor public access points and charging stations. Additionally, several states plan to map public Wi-Fi availability and make these resources available so anyone can find a public connection point.

Four states and territories plan to set up connectivity hubs where residents can come for free Wi-Fi, device support, telehealth services, and to work with digital navigators—people who can teach digital skills and help residents find their way around the internet. …

Plans for 14 states and jurisdictions—Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Vermont—prioritize connectivity in affordable housing and multidwelling units (MDUs).

And a peek at what Minnesota is planning…

Minnesota will explore models for a statewide broadband subsidy program to lower internet costs for low-income households.