Digital Inclusion Saves Lives During a Pandemic – Community Broadband Bits Episode 405

During this 31 minute episode, Christopher Mitchell from Institute of Self Reliance talks with Angela Siefer about the many ways that the pandemic has highlighted digital divides in our country. Angela shares how NDIA is helping address urgent connectivity needs by supporting digital inclusion practitioners on the ground and by raising public awareness during the crisis, including the NDIA’s list of Free and Low-Cost Internet Plans from national broadband providers.

Christopher and Angela review some of the providers’ offers and discuss the problems that NDIA has found with the plans. Angela explains why it’s important that these plans serve more than just students if we want to keep people safe at home. The pair also talk about creative efforts to temporarily deploy public Wi-Fi hotspots as well as longer term plans to improve broadband access and availability. However, Angela reminds us that removing the cost barrier is still the quickest way to get people connected today. However, Angela reminds us that removing the cost barrier is even more essential today.