NDIA Publications

Explore NDIA’s practitioner guidebooks, FCC comments, white papers, blog posts and more!

NameDescriptionTagsTypeCategoriesIssuesAuthorURL
NDIA, CWA, Public Knowledge file brief in case regarding FCC's 5G preemptionNDIA, Communications Workers of America, and Public Knowledge submitted a "friend of the Court" brief in a lawsuit seeking to overturn a Federal Communications Commission order that preempts municipal authority over the use of public property for 5G wireless deployments.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsNon-FCC Agency Comments/Legal BriefsPolicy Positions5GBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/06/18/ndia-cwa-public-knowledge-file-brief-in-case-vs-fccs-5g-preemption/
Smart Cities and Digital EquitySome Cities Have Found Ways to Pursue Both, but Federal Policy May Hinder ProgressDigital Inclusion NewsWhite PapersPolicy PositionsSmart CitiesJohn B. Horrigan, PhDhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/06/12/smart-cities-and-digital-equity/
FCC broadband report ignores affordability issueThe new report's findings have been called "fundamentally at odds with reality" by Commissioner Starks, while Commissioner Rosenworcel has said the report "deserves a failing grade". NDIA is forced to agree with these harsh assessments.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsAffordable Home InternetAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/05/30/fcc-broadband-report-ignores-affordability-issue/
Senator Murray introduces Digital Equity Act of 2019In a major development for community digital inclusion advocates, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today introduced the "Digital Equity Act", which would authorize more than $1 billion in Federal grant funding over the next five years to support digital inclusion programs throughout U.S. states and territories.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/04/11/senator-murray-introduces-digital-equity-act-of-2019/
Net Inclusion 2019 Live Stream LinksThe following are links to the live streamed plenary and break-out sessions from Charlotte, NC during Net Inclusion 2019.Digital Inclusion NewsOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAndrew Doanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/04/09/net-inclusion-2019-live-stream-links/
National Digital Inclusion Alliance Names Casey Sorensen and Munirih Jester the 2019 Charles Benton Digital Equity ChampionsThe National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) announced the 2019 Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Award winners: PCs for People CEO Casey Sorensen and San Antonio Housing Authority Digital Inclusion Program Manager Munirih Jester.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/04/08/national-digital-inclusion-alliance-names-casey-sorensen-and-munirih-jester-the-2019-charles-benton-digital-equity-champions/
Webinar: Digital Equity ActThis webinar covered what passage of the Digital Equity Act would mean to NDIA Affiliates and what NDIA Affiliates can do as 501(c)3 organizations to educate policymakers and raise awareness with partners.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/04/03/digital-equity-act-webinar/
Discount Internet GuidebookThis guidebook, developed by National Digital Inclusion Alliance with Public Knowledge and support from Mobile Beacon and Mobile Citizen, has two purposes: a practical guide for digital inclusion practitioners in need of affordable home broadband service, and describes affordable broadband plans for disadvantaged American households offered by commercial internet providers.Digital Inclusion NewsGuidebooksDigital Inclusion GuidanceAffordable Home InternetAndrew Doanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/03/24/discount-internet-guidebook/
New NDIA maps show home Internet connection rates by Census tract throughout the U.S.NDIA today published six interactive maps showing the percentages of households with wireline broadband connections, and the percentage of households with no home Internet connection of any kind, for every Census tract in the United States.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/12/11/new-ndia-maps-show-home-internet-connection-rates-by-census-tract-throughout-the-u-s/
NDIA to OCC: Let banks seek CRA credit for digital inclusion supportNDIA has asked the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC"), the U.S. Treasury Department agency which serves as the Federal regulator for many of the nation's banks, to allow those banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit for their financial support of community digital inclusion programs serving low and moderate income households in their lending areas.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsNon-FCC Agency Comments/Legal BriefsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/11/25/ndia-to-occ-let-banks-seek-cra-credit-for-digital-inclusion-support/
Worst Connected Cities 2017NDIA has released our fourth annual "Worst Connected Cities" ranking, based on U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2017.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/worst-connected-cities-2017/
Recording of International Digital Inclusion Week WebinarAs part of International Digital Inclusion Week, four panelists from four different countries representing a variety of digital inclusion activities discussed digital inclusion challenges and strategies.Digital Inclusion NewsOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/10/20/recording-of-international-digital-inclusion-week-webinar/
A Digital Divide Problem: Medicaid Recipients Expected to Prove Eligibility OnlineWithout home internet service, individuals subject to work requirements would need to visit a public library or other community space to use a computer, introducing new barriers due to lack of transportation, scheduling difficulties, and limited time on shared computers.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/09/24/a-digital-divide-problem-medicaid-recipients-expected-to-prove-eligibility-online/
NDIA to FCC: "Closing digital divide" means your annual broadband report should look at affordability, digital redliningNDIA has called on the Federal Communications Commission to prove its commitment to "closing the digital divide" by adding home broadband affordability, the broadband adoption rates of low income households, and the digital redlining of urban neighborhoods to the issues covered by the agency's upcoming 2019 Broadband Deployment Report.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/09/18/ndia-to-fcc-closing-digital-divide-means-your-annual-broadband-report-should-look-at-affordability-digital-redlining/
NDIA urges USDA rural broadband program to push for affordabilityNDIA has submitted comments to the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), urging the agency to treat affordability for lower-income rural residents as a key factor in implementing its E-Connectivity Pilot, a new grant and loan program for financing broadband projects in rural areas that lack "sufficient" broadband access.Policy PositionsNon-FCC Agency Comments/Legal BriefsPolicy PositionsAffordable Home InternetBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/09/11/ndia-urges-usda-rural-broadband-program-to-push-for-affordability/
NDIA asks FCC to preserve EBS for digital inclusionThe National Digital Inclusion Alliance today submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission on proposed new rules that could reduce future allocations of "Educational Broadband Service" (EBS) spectrum to local school systems, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit and public educational users.Policy PositionsFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsAffordable Home InternetBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/08/08/ndia-asks-fcc-to-preserve-ebs-for-digital-inclusion/
White Paper: Tier FlatteningIn recent years AT&T and Verizon have eliminated their cheaper rate tiers for low and mid-speed Internet access, except at the very slowest levels. This policy of upward "tier flattening" raises the cost of Internet access for urban and rural AT&T and Verizon customers who only have access to the oldest, slowest legacy infrastructure.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsWhite PapersPolicy PositionsAffordable Home InternetAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/07/31/tier-flattening/
NDIA joins call for better Federal broadband dataTen organizations including NDIA have called on the U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to take the lead in creating a new and improved system for gathering national data on broadband access and adoption, including consumer prices.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring Inclusion, Policy PositionsCoalition LettersMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/07/18/ndia-joins-call-for-better-federal-broadband-data/
Worst Connected Cities 2016Using data from the 2016 American Community Survey (ACS), released in September 2017 by the U.S. Census Bureau, NDIA ranked all 186 U.S. cities with more than 50,000 households by the total percentage of each city's households lacking fixed broadband internet subscriptions.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/06/07/worst-connected-cities-2016/
Digital Inclusion Coalition GuidebookThis guidebook, developed by National Digital Inclusion Alliance with support from Media Democracy Fund and Cleveland Foundation, reflects on lessons learned from six established community-wide digital inclusion coalitions in an effort to aid local communities navigating the development and implementation process of forming a digital inclusion coalition.Digital Inclusion NewsGuidebooksDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/05/21/digital-inclusion-coalition-guidebook/
Dissecting America's Digital DivideNDIA's Executive Director, Angela Siefer and Katy Egan (a teenager who did not have broadband at home) were guests on NPR's Innovation Hub.Digital Inclusion NewsOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/05/18/dissecting-americas-digital-divide/
Resources from Net Inclusion 2018The value of Net Inclusion, NDIA's annual national conference, is due to digital inclusion practitioners sharing their expertise.Digital Inclusion NewsOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/04/24/resources-from-net-inclusion-2018/
National Digital Inclusion Alliance Names Next Century Cities' Deb Socia the 2018 Charles Benton Digital Equity ChampionNDIA is proud to award the third annual Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Award to Deb Socia. Deb has been a teacher, school administrator, technology program innovator, and national leader of a coalition of cities that are defining their own broadband futures.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralMatthewhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/04/18/champion2018/
Satellite Service is Not BroadbandThe FCC's broadband data has other flaws but their data is one of the few sources available for broadband planning. Including satellite as a fixed broadband service is misleading.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring Inclusion, Policy PositionsBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/03/26/satellite_service_is_not_broadband/
NDIA's first AT&T redlining report is a year old todayAT&T's Digital Redlining of Cleveland got noticed. In the weeks following its release, the report was widely covered and linked on news and tech industry sitesDigital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital RedliningBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/03/10/ndias-first-att-redlining-report-is-a-year-old-today-2/
The Quest for Digital EquityThe March issue of Government Technology magazine has some terrific reading, including an article on "The Quest for Digital Equity" that features NDIA's Executive Director on digital equity and digital inclusion.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralLaura Breedenhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/03/08/the-quest-for-digital-equity/
NDIA Comments to FCC: Do Not Implement Proposed Lifeline ChangesThe proposed rules by the FCC seem explicitly designed to reduce the Lifeline program's availability, participation levels, and provider choice and economic value for participants, for voice as well as Internet data service.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/02/21/ndia-to-fcc-do-not-implement-proposed-lifeline-changes/
NDIA Conversation with FCC Commissioner Clyburn November 17th, 2017On November 17, 2017, NDIA hosted a conversation between FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn and NDIA Affiliates. Commissioner Clyburn explained the recent proposals the FCC had approved, which ones she disagreed with and why.Subscriber Content, WebinarBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralMatthewhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2018/01/11/ndia-conversation-with-fcc-commissioner-clyburn-november-17th-2017/
Community Broadband Bits Podcast:“Digital InclusionChris Mitchell interviewed Angela Siefer for Episode 284.Digital Inclusion NewsOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/12/12/community-broadband-bits-podcast-digital-inclusion/
Dismantling of Net Neutrality Will Lead to More Digital DividesMight the deregulation of the Internet lead to additional digital redlining?Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital RedliningAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/11/21/dismantling-of-net-neutrality-will-lead-to-more-digital-divides/
FCC's "steps to transform Lifeline" reduce its potential to bridge Digital DivideThis is an extremely counterproductive direction for the FCC to take, if, as we have been told, the Commissioners are truly interested in ensuring access to broadband for all Americans.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/11/18/fcc-steps-to-transform-lifeline-reduce-its-potential-to-bridge-digital-divide/
FCC Suggested Polices to "Bridge the Digital Divide" Do No Such ThingNDIA has responded, via letter, to a document released by the FCC titled "Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers". This document includes the "Fourth Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Memorandum Opinion and Order", a "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)" and a Notice of Inquiry (NOI). Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/11/13/fcc-not-bridging-digital-divide/
Advancing the Internet of Things in Rural AmericaLinks to the senate hearing, NDIA's written testimony, and other news sources that have addressed the hearing.Digital Inclusion NewsNon-FCC Agency Comments/Legal BriefsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAndrew Doanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/11/11/advancing-the-internet-of-things-in-rural-america/
Letter to AT&T and Attorney Parks: A RecommendationBased upon NDIA's digital redlining maps and on behalf of 3 residents of Cleveland and 2 residents of Detroit, Attorney Daryl Parks filed FCC complaints against AT&T alleging discrimination. AT&T and Attorney Parks have agreed to mediation by the FCC.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital RedliningAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/10/30/letter-to-att-and-attorney-parks/
NDIA proposes community-friendly changes in FCC Form 477 dataNDIA recently submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission suggesting several ways to make the agency's public data on broadband deployment and adoption more useful to local digital inclusion efforts.Measuring Inclusion, Policy PositionsFCC CommentsMeasuring InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/10/07/ndia-proposes-community-friendly-changes-in-fcc-form-477-data/
Low Income Cleveland Census Tracts Less Likely to Subscribe to High Speed Broadband than Tracts in Appalachia OhioOn September 21, 2017, NDIA filed comments in response to the FCC's Thirteenth Section 706 Report Notice of Inquiry (NOI), "Concerning Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion". Digital Inclusion NewsFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/09/22/low-income-cleveland-tracts-less-likely-to-have-high-speed-broadband/
CYC and ASC3 Publish Longitudinal Study of Broadband Adoption and Impact in ClevelandAccording to the report, these findings not only prove that high-touch community-based digital literacy programs are successful in closing the digital divide, but that the impact of such projects continues even after they are over. asc3, cleveland, connect your community, digital inclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Inclusion - GeneralMatthewhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/09/22/cyc-and-asc3-publish-longitudinal-study-of-broadband-adoption-and-impact/
Just Released:“ Informing Strategic Investment in Digital EquityCommissioned by the Cleveland Foundation, the report includes local data, local resource mapping, national program examples, and specific recommendations. The report was created specifically for Cleveland/Cuyahoga County but has useful guidance for any community.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionWhite PapersLocal AnalysisDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/09/11/just-released-informing-strategic-investment/
NDIA on Mozilla IRL Podcast "All Access Pass"The podcast asks "What is life like without fast Internet, and how does life change once a person has it? Should Internet access be a right, rather than a luxury?"Digital Inclusion NewsOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralMatthewhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/09/11/mozilla-ilr-podcast-all-access-pass/
More digital redlining? AT&T home broadband deployment and poverty in Detroit and ToledoMapping analyses of AT&T's 2016 broadband deployment data reported to the FCC for Wayne County, MI (Detroit) and Lucas County, OH (Toledo) show the same pattern of "digital redlining" of low income neighborhoods as NDIA research has previously revealed in the Cleveland and Dayton areas.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital RedliningBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/09/06/more-digital-redlining-att-deployment-and-poverty-in-detroit-and-toledo/
Broadband Infrastructure Alone Does Not Bridge the Digital DivideFederal programs and resources exist to increase access to broadband infrastructure in rural areas. But despite nationwide increases in fixed broadband availability and adoption over the past fifteen years rural areas continue to lag behind urban areas in terms of broadband infrastructure availability.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionJana Wilbrichthttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/08/24/broadband-infrastructure-alone-does-not-bridge-the-digital-divide/
Attorney Daryl Parks Submits Formal Complaint to FCC Against AT&T Based on NDIA ReportToday, on behalf of three Cleveland residents, Attorney Daryl Parks submitted a formal complaint to the FCC alleging "AT&T's offerings of high speed broadband service violates the Communications Act's prohibition against unjust and unreasonable discrimination."at&t, FCCBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital RedliningAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/08/24/attorney-daryl-parks-submits-formal-complaint-to-fcc-against-att-based-on-ndia-report/
Research You Can Use: Digital Literacy Training & EmploymentTo provide to digital inclusion practitioners easy access to information that can be used to support programmatic goals, both to improve their programs and request funding while also providing to policymakers information they can use to make strategic decisions impacting digital inclusion.digital literacy, employment, researchBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Inclusion - GeneralAndrew Doanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/06/12/research-you-can-use-digital-literacy-training-employment/
Who Regulates Broadband? Nobody.With the current FCC cutting back broadband regulation, it is clear neither the federal government nor the states are regulating internet service.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/04/13/who-regulates-broadband-nobody/
AT&T broadband deployment skipped low-income Dayton neighborhoodsAT&T Fails To Invest in Low-Income Montgomery County NeighborhoodsDigital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital RedliningBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/03/22/att-skipped-low-income-dayton-neighborhoods/
Video Clips on Home Broadband From 2017 San Antonio Digital Inclusion SummitNDIA was excited to be a part of this one-day event, hosted by the San Antonio Public Library, with rich conversations addressing digital equity, and highlighting the efforts of local organizations on the frontlines of digital inclusion.Digital Inclusion NewsOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceBroadband AdoptionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/03/13/home-broadband-2017-san-antonio-digital-inclusion-summit/
AT&T's Digital Redlining Of ClevelandA mapping analysis of Federal Communications Commission broadband availability data, conducted by Connect Your Community and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, strongly suggests that AT&T has systematically discriminated against lower-income Cleveland neighborhoods in its deployment of home Internet and video technologies over the past decade.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionWhite PapersMeasuring InclusionDigital RedliningBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/03/10/atts-digital-redlining-of-cleveland/
Dear FCC Chairman PaiWe encourage Chairman Pai to work toward digital equity, with us. Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/02/15/dear-fcc-chairman-pai/
We Need More Internet Service Providers, Not FewerWhether we call it competition or choice, there is general agreement that having more options in a market has the potential to reduce the price and increase the value of the service/product. Lifeline broadband service is no different.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/02/04/we-need-more-internet-service-providers-not-fewer/
FCC Consumer Bureau releases digital inclusion planThe thirty-page document, coming just days before a major shift in FCC leadership, is predictably modest, calling for no sweeping new initiatives or policy changes. But it does include some things that will be welcomed by NDIA affiliates and friends.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2017/01/12/fcc-consumer-bureau-releases-digital-inclusion-plan/
City digital inclusion leaders featured in special journal issueYesterday the Journal of Digital and Media Literacy published a special issue on "Digital Inclusion Policies & Programs of Local Governments", featuring articles by municipal digital inclusion leaders from seven U.S. citiesDigital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/12/17/20161217o9hv5x0vfzt4m2c2oim1uckai7epwp/
The Worst Connected U.S. Cities of 2015Our rankings for 2015 are based on recently released Census data on home access to fixed broadband Internet services. This includes wireline broadband technologies (cable Internet, DSL, fiber to the premises) as well as satellite and "fixed wireless" technologies. Digital Inclusion Corps Field Reports, Policy PositionsBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/11/04/worst-connected-cities-2015/
Article: Slow DSL connections could impede FCC's Lifeline Internet planA new article in Pacific Standard points out that the same slow inner-city Internet speeds that recently became an issue for AT&T's low income discount program could also create a real problem for the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline broadband initiative.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/09/29/article-slow-dsl-connections-could-impede-fccs-lifeline-internet-plans/
Bridging the Digital Divide: Not Every Low Income Family is the SameTo be effective in digital inclusion efforts, we must recognize that there are at least four different subsets within this population, each with its own unique set of needs.Digital Inclusion Corps Field Reports, Policy PositionsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/09/20/bridging-the-digital-divide-not-every-low-income-family-is-the-same/
Digital Equity Is the "What" and Digital Inclusion Is the "How"NDIA recently posted definitions for "Digital Inclusion" and "Digital Equity".Policy PositionsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/08/24/digital-equity-and-digital-inclusion/
New Federal Reserve publication links digital inclusion and Community Reinvestment ActThe Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has just published Closing the Digital Divide, which the Bank's President calls "a toolkit for bankers seeking to bring digital opportunity to underserved, rural and tribal communities through access to high-speed broadband. Bank investments as well as partnerships with local governments, nonprofits and educational groups can help ensure equitable access to the growing digital economy."Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/07/21/new-federal-reserve-publication-links-digital-inclusion-and-community-reinvestment-act/
NDIA Comments On HUD's Proposed Rule Modernizing Consolidated Planning ProcessThe National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) respectfully submits these comments on HUD's proposed rule in Docket No. FR 5891-P-01, "Modernizing HUD's Consolidated Planning Process To Narrow the Digital Divide and Increase Resilience to Natural Hazards".Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsNon-FCC Agency Comments/Legal BriefsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/07/18/ndia-comments-on-huds-proposed-rule-consolidated-planning/
Comcast Expands Internet Essentials to Public Housing and HUD-Assisted ResidentsAll public housing and HUD-assisted tenants (primarily those using Housing Choice vouchers or in project-based Section 8 units) in Comcast's service area are eligible to apply for Internet Essentials, Comcast's high-speed $9.95/month service for low-income residents.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceAffordable Home InternetAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/07/15/comcast-expands-internet-essentials/
Digital Inclusion DayFriday, May 13th marked the inaugural celebration of National Digital Inclusion Day:“ a day to highlight and discuss the impact that digital access and skills can have on society, families and individuals.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/05/16/digital-inclusion-day/
$32.5 million from "New Charter" for digital inclusion in California: A national model?Now the big question is: Will the FCC make the California agreement a model for communities affected by the merger throughout the U.S.?Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/04/21/325-million-from-new-charter-for-digital-inclusion-in-california/
The FCC Takes On Digital Inclusion Beyond LifelineThe Federal Communications Commissioners voted (3-2) to include broadband internet as a subsidized Lifeline service for low-income consumers. Its an incredible policy that will create one very important tool to reducing digital disparity.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/04/01/fcc-takes-on-digital-inclusion-beyond-lifeline/
White House Affirms Necessity of Getting Online & Having Digital SkillsAn unprecedented variety of public and nonprofit leaders are engaged in efforts to overcome the digital divides that afflict our disadvantaged neighbors and neighborhoods. This is affirmed by today's announcement that President Obama is unveiling ConnectALL, an initiative to help Americans from across the country, at every income level, get online and have the tools to take full advantage of the Internet. Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/03/09/white-house-affirmation/
FCC Shares Highlights of Draft Order to Modernize LifelineToday, FCC Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Clyburn released a blog post and a fact sheet on the Lifeline Modernization Proposal circulating inside the FCC. Both of these documents clearly show the Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Clyburn understand the necessity of broadband access and use.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/03/08/fcc-shares-highlights-of-draft-order-to-modernize-lifeline/
Senate Briefing – Understanding Digital Inclusion & Broadband AdoptionThanks to the Benton Foundation, Casey Sorensen of NDIA Affiliate PCs for People and I spoke on a Senate Briefing panel sponsored by Georgetown's Institute for Public Representation and the Benton Foundation in cooperation with Senator Richard Blumenthal.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/02/23/senate-briefing-understanding-digital-inclusion/
Boston's Broadband and Digital Equity AdvocateBoston is the second municipality in the United States to hire full time staff tasked with increasing digital equity. Anne Schweiger was hired as the City of Boston's Broadband and Digital Equity Advocate in December 2015.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsLocal AnalysisDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/02/14/bostons-broadband-and-digital-equity-advocate/
NDIA Signs On Letter Encouraging FCC Protect Privacy of Broadband ConsumersNDIA signed on to a letter sent to the FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler encouraging the FCC to take steps that protect consumer privacy via our broadband providers. The letter was signed by 59 organizations, including NDIA. Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsCoalition LettersPolicy PositionsAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/01/26/ndia-signs-on-letter-encouraging-fcc-protect-privacy-of-broadband-consumers/
Libraries Increasing Broadband AdoptionThe Benton Foundation published the paper Libraries Increasing Broadband Adoption written by Angela Siefer of National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Katherine Bates of Urban Libraries Council, Colin Rhinesmith of School of Library and Information Studies, University of Oklahoma, and Benton Foundation Faculty Research Fellow.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2016/01/15/libraries-increasing-broadband-adoption/
Comcast States Lifeline Broadband Providers Should Support Digital LiteracyTo substantially increase broadband adoption, we must address both cost and digital literacy.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital LiteracyAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/11/18/comcast-lifeline-digital-literacy/
Practical Definition of Broadband AdoptionThis definition is useful for creating and improving programs.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceBroadband AdoptionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/11/09/practical-definition-of-broadband-adoption/
The Broadband Opportunity Council Report & RecommendationsPotential resources for broadband adoption programs. NDIA was cited five times in the Report and Recommendations.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/10/14/boc-report-2015/
Lifeline Reply Comments: Community-Based Lifeline Providers and No Data CapsNDIA submitted Reply Comments focused upon allowing community-based low-cost solutions to be Lifeline broadband providers and not allowing Lifeline broadband providers to institute data caps.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/10/01/lifeline-reply-comments/
Worst-Connected U.S. Cities in 2014Using data from the 2014 American Community Survey (ACS) released last Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, NDIA ranked all 184 U.S. cities with more than 50,000 households by their percentages of households with no Internet at home.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/09/21/worst-connected-cities-2014/
Lifeline comments: Maximize impact of Lifeline broadband on personal health record adoptionLack of broadband access is a major obstacle to low income households' adoption of Personal Health Record (PHR) tools. We recommend the Commission work cooperatively with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to maximize the impact of a Lifeline broadband option on low-income PHR adoption.Digital Inclusion NewsFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsLifelineBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/09/16/lifeline-comments-maximize-impact-of-lifeline-broadband-on-personal-health-record-adoption/
Community-Based Solutions for Lifeline BroadbandNDIA's response to paragraphs 129-141 of the FCC's Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on reform and modernization of the FCC's Lifeline program.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/09/08/community-based-solutions-lifeline/
NDIA Comments to FCC: Lifeline ModernizationNDIA's comments to the FCC regarding the modernization of the Lifeline Program are built upon our affiliates' unique positions working directly with non-adopters to increase digital inclusion in the United States.FCC, LifelineFCC CommentsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/08/31/ndia-comments-to-fcc-lifeline-modernization/
Changing the Landscape of Low-Cost Broadband: NDIA's Lifeline Comments to the FCCSince the modernization of Lifeline was the original impetus for forming NDIA, we are very carefully considering our comments to the FCC regarding the modernization of Lifeline.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/07/30/changing-the-landscape-of-low-cost-broadband/
Pew: No Internet use by 26% of Americans with household incomes below $30,000A tweet yesterday from the Pew Research Center calls attention to the 2015 installment of the Center's annual survey of American's Internet use, released back on June 26.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/07/10/pew-no-internet-use-by-26-of-americans-with-household-incomes-below-30000/
Common Sense Kids Action: Broadband inclusion will boost GDP, education, healthcareA terrific new policy brief from Common Sense Kids Action on the evidence that better Internet access for low-income American households would have significant benefits for education, healthcare, household incomes and the economy as a whole.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/06/29/common-senses-kids-action-broadband-inclusion-will-boost-gdp-education-healthcare/
Modernization of Lifeline: Addressing the Cost Barrier of Broadband AdoptionWe, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, commend the FCC's proposal to modernize the Lifeline Program. Increasing broadband access and use benefits both the individual and society as a whole.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/06/18/modernization-of-lifeline-addressing-the-cost-barrier-of-broadband-adoption/
NDIA comments to Broadband Opportunity CouncilAngela's comments list a number of specific program or regulatory actions by various departments and agencies, including Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Education, Health and Human Services and others, which could support local community efforts toward digital literacy training and free or affordable broadband access.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsNon-FCC Agency Comments/Legal BriefsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/06/10/ndia-comments-to-broadband-opportunity-council/
WIRED: Lifeline help for Internet "good for us all"An excellent new article in WIRED Magazine summarizes the arguments for extending Federal Lifeline support to broadband Internet access, as proposed last week by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/06/01/wired-lifeline-help-for-internet-good-for-us-all/
In Support of Lifeline ModernizationThe National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), representing community-based Internet training and access programs in 21 states and 23 metropolitan areas across the U.S., welcomes today's announcement by Chairman Wheeler of the Federal Communications Commission regarding modernization of the Lifeline program to include broadband Internet services.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/05/28/lifeline-modernization/
Census shows digital divide closely linked to household incomesIn 2013, more than half of U.S. households with incomes below $20,000 still lacked any kind of home Internet subscription including mobile or dial-up, according to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, or ACS. The ACS showed much lower percentages of households without Internet in higher income groups.Digital Inclusion News, Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionBroadband AdoptionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/05/26/census-shows-digital-divide-closely-linked-to-household-incomes/
Lifeline:“ Where Is It Going? A Community PerspectiveThe Benton Foundation posted this guest article by Angela Siefer on its Digital Beat Blog, outlining the NDIA's perspective on the issues facing the Federal Communications Commission in its upcoming "Lifeline reform" proceeding.Digital Inclusion News, Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/05/19/lifeline-where-is-it-going-a-community-perspective-1/
The Right Time for a National Digital Inclusion AllianceI am so happy to announce the creation of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2015/05/14/right-time/
White Paper: Why Smart Communities Need Digital InclusionNDIA reviews what the term smart communities entail and how local government leaders are cementing divides if they fail to include strategies for digital inclusion and digital equity in their smart community plans.Digital Inclusion NewsWhite PapersDigital Inclusion GuidanceSmart CitiesCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/09/30/white-paper-why-smart-communities-need-digital-inclusion/
NDIA applauds Congressional effort to increase Lifeline broadband enrollmentU.S. Senator Dick Durbin (IL) and U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) have introduced a bill in both houses of Congress that is intended to increase enrollment in the Federal Lifeline program, which provides subsidized broadband as well as phone access for low income Americans.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLifelineBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/09/26/ndia-applauds-congressional-effort-to-increase-lifeline-broadband-enrollment/
Representatives McNerney, Lujan and Clarke introduce Digital Equity Act in U.S. HouseThree Members of the U.S. House of Representatives today introduced a House version of the Digital Equity Act of 2019.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/09/25/representatives-mcnerney-lujan-and-clarke-introduce-digital-equity-act-in-u-s-house/
Angela Siefer and Xandi Wright on Trending in EducationAngela Siefer and Xandi Wright spoke with Mike Palmer and Dan Strafford from this podcast about Digital Equity and Inclusion.Digital Inclusion NewsOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/09/16/angela-siefer-and-xandi-wright-on-trending-in-education/
Report predicts "Big Returns" from county investment in digital inclusionCuyahoga County, Ohio released a new report on the ways digital inclusion could improve the operational efficiency of several of its departments, while making County services more accessible to a large number of citizens.Digital Inclusion NewsWhite PapersLocal AnalysisDigital Inclusion - GeneralBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/09/05/report-predicts-big-returns-from-county-investment-in-digital-inclusion/
Candidate Warren includes Digital Equity Act in new broadband platformWarren's campaign staff working on her broadband plan reached out to NDIA for ideas, and the plan credits NDIA as a source in several footnotes, according to Executive Director Angela Siefer. "NDIA is a non-partisan organization interested in promoting digital inclusion across the country.Digital Inclusion NewsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/08/09/candidate-warren-includes-digital-equity-act-in-new-broadband-platform/
AT&T's Digital Redlining of Dallas: New Research by Dr. Brian WhitacreIn 2017 Dr. Whitacre was approached by Attorney Daryl Parks, who was preparing to file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission based on NDIA's study of AT&T's Digital Redlining of Cleveland. Parks asked Dr. Whitacre to conduct an expert assessment of NDIA's Cleveland research and provide sworn testimony about his findings, which he did.Digital Inclusion NewsWhite PapersLocal AnalysisDigital RedliningBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/08/06/atts-digital-redlining-of-dallas-new-research-by-dr-brian-whitacre/
Rep. Meng proposes hotspot funding to combat “homework gap”Members of Congress propose a $100 million annual grant program to fund community efforts to provide mobile wi-fi hotspots for home usePolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/11/27/rep-meng-proposes-hotspot-funding-to-combat-homework-gap/
NDIA to FCC: Broadband affordability should be addressed in annual assessmentNDIA urges Federal Communications Commission to consider broadband adoption rates and affordability in the Agency’s annual assessment of whether advanced telecommunications capability deployment is occurring in a reasonable and timely fashion for all AmericansFCC CommentsMeasuring InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/11/25/ndia-to-fcc-broadband-affordability-should-be-addressed-in-annual-assessment/
Angela Siefer – Keynote Video from Philadelphia TLC ConferenceDigital Inclusion: Not If But How. Digital inclusion action nationally and locally, the importance of digital inclusion, local strategies, NDIA’s resources and what we can learn from Philadelphia’s commitment to ending digital divides.Online MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/11/20/angela-siefer-keynote-at-tlc-conference-video/
Worst Connected Cities of 2018NDIA's 2018 analysis of the worst connected cities in America expands previous perspective to include mid-sized cities in its latest reportOnline MediaMeasuring InclusionDigital Inclusion - GeneralBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/10/23/worst-connected-cities-of-2018/
Announcing New Indicators for NDIA Digital Inclusion TrailblazersDigital Inclusion Trailblazers, a public inventory of local government initiatives promoting digital literacy and broadband access for underserved residents, updates its Trailblazer indicatorsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital LiteracyCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2019/10/08/new-process-trailblazers/
Digital Equity Hearing Scheduled in House of RepresentativesThe Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the Committee on Energy and Commerce holds the first ever federal hearing focused on digital equity on Wednesday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m.Policy PositionsOnline MediaPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion – GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/01/26/digital-equity-hearing-scheduled-in-house-of-representatives/
Measuring the Gap: What’s the right approach to exploring why some Americans do not subscribe to broadband? by John B. Horrigan, PhDOne argument has it that, for the most part, people without broadband do not find it relevant to their lives. Another school of thought places greater weight on the cost of access devices and monthly fees. This brief tries to shed light on what drives these differences and attempts to resolve them.Policy PositionsWhite PaperPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion – General, Affordable Home InternetCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/02/11/measuring-the-gap-by-john-horrigan/
U.S. House Hearing On Digital EquityNDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer and representatives of two NDIA affiliates were witnesses at the first-ever Congressional hearing focused on digital equity, held on Wednesday, January 29 by the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.Policy PositionsOnline MediaPolicy Positions, Digital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion – General, Broadband AdoptionMiles Millerhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/01/31/u-s-house-hearing-on-digital-equity/
NDIA has just launched a new, national listing of Free & Low-Cost Internet PlansThe COVID-19 health crisis has shed light on the need for home internet service, and the large number of American households in all kinds of communities who don’t have it. Some Internet Service Providers have responded with new or improved discount broadband plans, that will only be available for a short time; others continue to offer plans that were created prior to the crisis. NDIA has created a list of Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans to describe varying offers and options.Digital Inclusion GuidanceOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion – General, Affordable Home InternetMathew Kopelhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/03/20/ndia-has-just-launched-a-new-national-listing-of-free-low-cost-internet-plans/
Reconnect to Technological OpportunityThe ReCONNECT to Technological Opportunity forum in North Carolina provided participants with the opportunity to learn about what their communities can do to leverage high-speed Internet in an equitable way, and how both rural and urban communities are using broadband as a driving force of social and economic growth.Local Analysis, Digital Inclusion GuidanceOnline MediaLocal Analysis, Digital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion – General, Broadband AdoptionMiles Millerhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/03/06/reconnect-to-technological-opportunity/
Hotspot Devices are Only One Connectivity SolutionNDIA fully agrees that the federal government must address the lack of home internet subscriptions in addition to the lack of home computers/tablets and technical support available via phone.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital Inclusion, Affordable Home Internet, LifelineCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/03/24/new-dates-for-net-inclusion-2020/
NDIA Recommends improvements to COVID-19 Cable Internet Free and Low-Cost Plans Many Internet Service Providers stepped up with free or low-cost internet plans during the time of the COVID-19 crisis. NDIA suggests strategies for improving these responses of ISPs to the connection crisis faced by Americans during the pandemic.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceAffordable Home InternetCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/03/24/ndia_recommends_improvements_to_covid-19_cable_internet_free_and_low-cost_plans/
Siefer on COVID-19 stimulus: More action needed to connect millions of householdsNDIA applauds the CARES Act in appropriating $50 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus” while also acknowledging that the amount is still insufficient, and calls on policymakers to consider additional measures as part of the nation’s emergency response to the COVID-19 crisis.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/03/30/siefer-on-covid-19-stimulus-more-action-needed-to-connect-millions-of-households/
Free and Low-Cost Plans: Not all providers have stepped upDuring the last two weeks, most of the nation’s large internet service providers have responded to the COVID-19 emergency by launching free or very low-cost rate plans, designed to help more residents get and stay on line in order to cope with the sudden new demands of home isolation. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for all ISPsPolicy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion – General, Affordable Home InternetBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/03/26/free-and-low-cost-plans-not-all-providers-have-stepped-up/
Now, more than ever, Americans need free and low cost BroadbandAs the US braces for the health and economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic along with the rest of the world, questions of how to maintain public health and keep Americans employed find their answers in widespread broadband accessibility. Policy Positions, Affordable Home Internet, Broadband AdoptionOnline MediaPolicy Positions, Affordable Home Internet, Broadband AdoptionAffordable Home Internet, Digital Inclusion – GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/03/31/now-more-than-ever-americans-need-free-and-low-cost-broadband/
Digital Inclusion @ HomeIn partnership with X-Lab, ILSR and Marconi Society, Measurement Lab has set up a speed test portal to collect geolocated data with an accompanying survey focused on Digital Inclusion @ Home. Measuring Inclusion, Local AnalysisOnline MediaMeasuring Inclusion, Local AnalysisDigital Inclusion – GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/03/31/digital-inclusion-home/
Video: The 4th Utility“The 4th Utility” is a media project that focuses on Digital Inclusion on a national scale, referencing many quotes from the House Hearing, “Empowering and Connecting Communities Through Digital Equity and Internet Adoption“. The video explains the issues around digital inclusion and different organizations paths to finding solutions.Measuring InclusionOnline MediaDigital Inclusion – GeneralMeasuring InclusionCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/02/video-the-4th-utility/
NDIA asks bank regulators to allow Community Reinvestment Act credit for digital inclusion supportNDIA submits comments to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), asking the agency to include digital inclusion programs among the “community support services” for which a bank’s financial support can bolster its record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act.Policy Positions, Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsPolicy Positions, Digital Inclusion GuidanceFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/09/ndia-asks-bank-regulators-to-allow-community-reinvestment-credit-for-digital-inclusion-support/
Urgent Call for Computer Donations!NDIA partners with the National Cristina Foundation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City to launch a countrywide call for laptops, desktops, Chromebooks, and tablets from corporate and governmental entities. Due to the global COVID-19 crisis, the demand for low- and no-cost computers for those in need far exceeds the current available supply.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion – GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/10/urgent-call-for-computer-donations/
Siefer to Ars Technica: No alternative to a federal broadband subsidyNDIA commentary on the differences and gaps in free and low-cost plans being offered by some major Internet Service Providers in response to the COVID-19 crisis.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsAffordable Home InternetBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/10/siefer-to-ars-technica-no-alternative-to-a-federal-broadband-subsidy/
NDIA Creates State and Local Governments Lists for COVID-19 ResourcesNDIA creates a State-wide COVID-19 Digital Inclusion Response page, and a Local Government COVID-19 Digital Inclusion Response page to document resources, responses and strategies being used to help people get, and stay connected in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsAffordable Home InternetMiles Millerhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/20/ndia-creates-state-and-local-governments-lists-for-covid-19-resources/
NDIA Announces Digital Navigator ConceptThe COVID-19 pandemic has created a sudden, massive public need for trustworthy digital inclusion services. To address this, NDIA is creating what it is calling its “Digital Navigators”, which aims to provide one-to-one dedicated support via phone service.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion – General, Digital LiteracySabrina Roachhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/20/ndia-announces-digital-navigator-concept/
Angela on Community Broadband Bits PodcastChristopher 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.Policy PositionsOnline MediaPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion – General, Affordable Home InternetCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/21/angela-on-community-broadband-bits-podcast/
217 organizations, 100,000+ petition signers call for affordable broadband measures in COVID-19 stimulusThe National Digital Inclusion Alliance today joins 216 other public interest, government, industry, civil rights, rural advocacy, and academic groups — alongside schools and libraries — in a letter to Congressional leaders calling for forthcoming COVID-19 stimulus packages to include support for access to affordable broadband internet.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion – General, Affordable Home Internet, Broadband AdoptionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/29/call-for-affordable-broadband-in-covid-19-stimulus/
Healthcares Rapid Shift to TelehealthThe American Medical Association recently published a blog by NDIA Senior Fellow Amy Sheon called, The Digital Divide - Telehealth’s Achille’s Heal. She shares why she wrote it and what she hopes it accomplishesPolicy Positions, Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsPolicy Positions, Digital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion – General, Broadband AdoptionCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/04/30/healthcares-rapid-shift-to-telehealth/
House Dems’ broadband plan is comprehensive: Includes digital equity funding, home internet payment helpDemocratic Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Majority Whip James Clyburn (SC) and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (NJ), yesterday announced the outline of a “Plan to Connect All Americans to Affordable Broadband Internet” that includes grant programs at the state and federal levels to promote broadband adoption and digital skills as well as expanded funding and eligibility for “existing payment support for consumers” aimed at “helping low-income and recently unemployed Americans afford broadband”Policy PositionBlog PostsPolicy PositionsAffordable Home Internet, Broadband AdoptionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/05/01/broadband-plan-comprehensive-approach/
Fourteen local governments featured as 2020 Digital Inclusion TrailblazersFourteen municipal governments across the U.S., ranging in size from New York City to Provo, Utah, feature in NDIA’s new roster of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers for 2020.Local AnalysisOnline Media, Blog PostsLocal AnalysisDigital Inclusion – General, Bill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/05/05/fourteen-local-governments-featured-as-2020-digital-inclusion-trailblazers/
Webinar Recording – “Connecting Michigan: From Internet Inequality to Digital Equity”U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) and FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks virtually host, “Connecting Michigan: From Internet Inequality to Digital Equity” which explores how the digital divide has exacerbated already existing inequities throughout Michigan.Measuring Inclusion, Local AnalysisOnline MediaMeasuring Inclusion, Local AnalysisDigital Inclusion – General, Affordable Home Internet, Digital RedliningCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/05/08/webinar-recording-connecting-michigan-from-internet-inequality-to-digital-equity/
Talon, 12 years old, is on a Digital Inclusion Mission!Talon, 12 years old, is a determined and talented digital inclusion advocate. He realized that by sharing his personal struggle of living without reliable internet access, he might be able to help other youth in Ferry County and around the country to thrive in online studies, research, and aspirations.Local AnalysisOnline MediaLocal AnalysisDigital Inclusion – GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/05/13/talon-12-years-old-is-on-a-digital-inclusion-mission/
House Democrats’ COVID relief bill includes Emergency Broadband BenefitThe new, three trillion dollar COVID-19 relief proposal, called on by the NDIA and unveiled by Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives, includes $8.8 billion to fund an Emergency Broadband Benefit for consumers who are eligible for Lifeline phone discounts, or have suffered major income loss due to the pandemic.Policy PositionsBlog Posts, Online MediaFunding for Digital Inclusion, Affordable Home InternetFunding for Digital Inclusion, Affordable Home InternetBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/05/13/house-democrats-covid-relief-bill-includes-emergency-broadband-benefit/
New rules from OCC: Banks can now get CRA credit for funding digital inclusionThe Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has added support for community digital inclusion programs to its official list of “qualified activities” that could help a regulated bank meet its obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/05/20/new-rules-from-occ-banks-can-now-get-cra-credit-for-funding-digital-inclusion/
Federal regulators allow CRA credit for bank investments in digital access during COVID-19 emergencyThe three federal agencies that oversee U.S. banks and savings institutions have adopted special Community Reinvestment Act guidelines for the COVID-19 emergency period, which allow regulated lenders to seek CRA credit for loans, investments or services that support digital access for low- and moderate-income individuals or communities.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/05/26/federal-regulators-allow-cra-credit-for-bank-investments-in-digital-access-during-covid-19-emergency/
Black Lives MatterBlack Lives Matter: A message from the NDIA Board of DirectorsPolicy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsLaura Breedenhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/06/08/black-lives-matter/
NDIA says “rural only” broadband investment is structurally racistNDIA has released a new white paper arguing that current federal policies which limit broadband expenditures to rural infrastructure deployment, while offering no help to millions of unconnected urban residents, are “structurally racist, discriminating against unconnected Black Americans and other communities of color.”Measuring InclusionWhite PapersMeasuring InclusionFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/06/19/ndia-says-rural-only-broadband-investment-is-structurally-racist/
New U.S. House broadband bill includes low-income payment help and digital inclusion fundingA bill introduced by Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives proposes more than a billion dollars in funding for state and community digital inclusion initiatives, as well as a new federal broadband benefit. The “Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act” proposes a $100 billion package of broadband-related expenditures.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital Inclusion, Affordable Home InternetBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/06/24/new-u-s-house-broadband-bill-includes-low-income-payment-help-and-digital-inclusion-funding/
#SpreadTheTech Podcast SeriesThe #SpreadtheTech Podcast Series sees ten-episodes that showcases interviews with digital inclusion stakeholders and practitioners from across the country highlighting their community-based efforts to address the digital divide.Measuring Inclusion, Local AnalysisOnline MediaMeasuring Inclusion, Local AnalysisDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/06/26/new-spreadthetech-podcast-series/
Wyden bill provides emergency internet assistance for laid-off workers, low income households, Pell studentsUnited States Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon introduces the “Emergency Broadband Connections Act”, which would create a new Emergency Benefit for Broadband Service to provide free or low-cost broadband service for low-income families as well as workers recently laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Funding for Digital InclusionBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/06/30/wyden-bill-provides-emergency-internet-assistance-for-laid-off-workers-low-income-households-pell-students/
U.S. House votes “Yes” on home broadband benefit and digital equity funding for states and communitiesThe U.S. House of Representatives passes the “Moving Forward Act” (HR 2), a $1.5 trillion infrastructure funding bill that includes $8.8 billion for a new “broadband benefit” program to help low-income households and recently laid-off consumers pay for internet connections, as well as $1.3 billion in funding for state and community digital inclusion initiatives.Funding for Digital InclusionBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionBill Callahanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/07/01/u-s-house-votes-yes-on-home-broadband-benefit-and-digital-equity-funding/
Released: Broadband Adoption and Opportunity ActCongressman Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01) introduced the Broadband Adoption and Opportunity Act: bipartisan legislation to leverage public-private partnerships to refurbish internet-capable devices for students and underserved families through donation, lending, or low-cost purchasing programs. The bill is co-sponsored by Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-06). Public-private partnerships outlined in the bill will participate in a five-year pilot program within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The legislation also directs NTIA to work with states, tribes, and the Federal Communications Commission to develop best practices to increase broadband adoption rates among underserved groups, increase awareness about current low-cost broadband programs, and expand technical training programs for individuals to learn how to use internet-capable devices.Digital Inclusion - GeneralBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/07/07/released-broadband-adoption-and-opportunity-act/
Angela Addresses the Digital Equity Landscape on iHeartMediaInterview by Anna de Haro at iHeartMedia addresses the complexities and urgency around reaching digital inclusion and highlights resources available.Policy PositionsOnline MediaPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/08/03/angela-addresses-the-digital-equity-landscape-on-iheartmedia/
NDIA Digital Navigator Model Page is Live!The Digital Navigator Model Page explains the core elements of the model, hosts sample graphics, worksheets, instructions and assessments, and recognizes everyone in the Digital Navigators Working Group. Repeated thanks to our Digital Navigators Working Group. Their expertise and generosity is at the heart of this project. Digital Inclusion - GeneralOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralSabrina Roachhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/08/18/ndia-digital-navigatormodel-page-is-live/
#DIW20 Webpage is Live!Digital Inclusion Week 2020 will be taking place October 5-9. #DIW is an online event to raise awareness of solutions addressing home internet access, personal devices, and local technology training and support programs.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/08/25/diw20-webpage-is-live/
What Are Single Payer Agreements?The Federal Government is not solving the broadband affordability problem, but localities are pulling together to create short term solutions. Some are working out agreements with internet service providers (ISPs) to pay directly for residential internet accounts in bulk. These are referred to as single-payer agreements and/or sponsored agreements.Local Analysis, Measuring Inclusion, Blog PostsLocal AnalysisAffordable Home InternetSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/08/28/what-are-single-payer-agreements/
Welcoming Week: Digital inclusion for refugee women in Seattle and King CountyThe Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School recently published a report that maps the 2019 landscape of technology-related services and programs available for refugee women and their communities in Seattle and King County in Washington State. In this research, with an interest in understanding the services available to refugee women in the United States, where technology is socially and culturally dominated by men.Digital InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Inclusion - GeneralSabrina Roachhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/09/16/welcoming-week-digital-inclusion-for-refugee-women-in-seattle-and-king-county/
The Worst Connected U.S. Cities of 2019Using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) One-Year Estimates, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance releases its annual rankings for America’s Worst Connected Cities. Our analysis this year looked at cities with populations of 65,000 or more to include smaller municipalities along with large and mid-size cities.White PapersOnline MediaMeasuring InclusionBroadband Adoption, Digital Inclusion - GeneralPaolo Balboahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/09/17/the-worst-connected-u-s-cities-of-2019/
NDIA Submits Comments to the NTIA – Developing a More Timely Internet Use SurveyNDIA, Public Knowledge, and 23 other organizations submitted comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Internet Administration’s Internet Use Survey. The survey targets households and covers a range of topics such as digital inclusion and the adoption of different types of devices and internet access technologies. NDIA was first organized in 2015 to provide a needed voice for experienced digital inclusion practitioners and change the narrative for families that are left without broadband access. Our comments spoke to the current issues that families across the country are facing with working from home and online learning without the internet access due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - General Sean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/09/22/ndia-submits-comments-to-the-ntia-developing-a-more-timely-internet-use-survey/
Revised Digital Inclusion Start-Up Manual is LiveNDIA has completed extensive revisions to Chapter 4 (Digital Literacy Training), and Chapter 8 (Partnerships and Sustainability)—two components of the Digital Inclusion ecosystem that have been heavily affected by the global pandemic. As community based organizations have shifted to remote learning, they have also added a higher emphasis on hotline Tech Support (Chapter 7), either by shifting staff roles, or engaging local workforce volunteer programs.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralPaolo Balboahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/09/22/revised-digital-inclusion-start-up-manual-is-live/
JUST RELEASED- AT&T’s Digital Redlining: Leaving Communities Behind for ProfitAn analysis of AT&T’s 21-state network, an August 2020 survey of CWA members, and reports by local advocates in AT&T’s service area reveal widespread service below the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband definition of 25/3 Mbps and demonstrate AT&T’s disinterest in building fiber-optic cable.Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Redlining, Broadband AdoptionCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/10/05/just-released-atts-digital-redlining-leaving-communities-behind-for-profit/
Another Successful Digital Inclusion Week!​Digital Inclusion Week 2020 was a huge success! With COVID-19 shining light on the importance of Digital Inclusion initiatives, this year was more essential than ever. Our community events reached hundreds of thousands of people on social media, received the attention of multiple elected officials, and some cities issued a proclamation declaring Digital Inclusion Week. Digital Inclusion Guidance, Policy PositionsBlog Posts, Online MediaDigital Inclusion Guidance, Policy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/10/16/another-successful-digital-inclusion-week/
What Happens When The U.S. Does Not Regulate Broadband?Since the Obama-era net neutrality rules were rolled back in 2017, internet service providers like AT&T have been reclassified under Title I of the Communications Act and subsequently under the Federal Trade Commission’s loose authority which means all broadband service is largely unregulated by the federal government. Due to this lack of regulation from the FCC, AT&T has been able to neglect customers by not meeting the FCC’s 25/3 mbps benchmark for approximately 28% of households in their network footprint. According to the Institute for Local Self Reliance, this means that over 200,000 American households have no alternate internet service providers aside from mobile or satellite. Additionally, AT&T’s lack of action results in over 2 million American households being forced to rely on one alternative cable option. This is due to these areas only having two wireline broadband providers. Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital RedliningSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/10/16/what-happens-when-the-u-s-does-not-regulate-broadband/
Illinois Partners with NDIA, Commits to Digital EquityIllinois Governor Jay Robert Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, has announced a Digital Equity Package worth approximately three-quarter of a million dollars to tackle the digital divide that exists in the state.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital Inclusion, Digital Inclusion - GeneralMiles Millerhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/11/23/illinois-partners-with-ndia-commits-to-expand-broadband/
NDIA to hosts Digital Inclusion 101 WebinarDigital Inclusion practitioners have been working to end the digital divide for decades, creating their own community, definitions, resources, and gaining knowledge of what works and doesn’t. Digital Inclusion is a multifaceted issue that takes time to understand and NDIA is here to help!Digital Inclusion GuidanceOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/12/04/ndia-hosts-digital-inclusion-101-webinar/
Save The Date: Net Inclusion 2021 Webinar Series!The Net Inclusion Conference has been a staple in the Digital Inclusion community since 2016, bringing hundreds of practitioners, advocates, academics, internet service providers, and policymakers together to share their knowledge.Digital Inclusion GuidanceOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/12/11/save-the-date-net-inclusion-2021-webinar-series/
Grow with Google $150k Challenge GrantIn partnership with Grow with Google, NDIA is launching the Ujima Project – a $150K challenge grant to help nonprofits leverage Grow with Google resources to support Black communities. Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceFunding for Digital InclusionCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/12/14/webinar-grow-with-google-150k-challenge-grant/
Ujima is a go! NDIA and Grow with Google partner to support Black communitiesNDIA and Grow with Google have joined forces to launch the Ujima Project, a $150,000 grant challenge aimed at assisting NDIA affiliates leverage Grow with Google resources to support Black communities. Six grants of $25,000 each are available to encourage affiliates to design projects that make use of existing Grow with Google tools for creative problem solving in the upskilling of Black jobseekers or students.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceFunding for Digital Inclusionhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/12/18/ujima-is-a-go-ndia-and-grow-with-google-partner-to-support-black-communities/Miles Miller
Covid Relief includes $3.2B Emergency Broadband BenefitCongress is about to pass a stimulus package that includes $3.2 billion for an Emergency Broadband Benefit and other initiatives that could impact digital inclusion work.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAngela Sieferhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/12/21/covid-relief-includes-3-2b-emergency-broadband-benefit/
NDIA Releases COVID Relief Bill OverviewNDIA offers this overview to help digital inclusion practitioners determine how they might access resources that are a result of the recent COVID relief legislation. Programmatic rules and processes will not be in place for multiple months. FundingOnline MediaPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2020/12/23/ndia-releases-covid-relief-bill-overview/
NDIA Comments to FCC on Emergency Broadband Benefit ProgramOn January 25, NDIA submitted comments in response to the FCC’s public notice on the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) which is a result of the recent Consolidated Appropriations Act 2020Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceFunding for Digital InclusionSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/01/26/ndia-comments-to-fcc-on-emergency-broadband-benefit-program/
Emergency Broadband Benefit: What We Know So FarThe Emergency Broadband Benefit program is a provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act slated for $3.2 billion to reimburse internet service providers (ISPs) $10 to $50 a month for providing broadband service and up to $100 for providing devices to low-income households. NDIA recently filed comments to the Federal Communications Commission on the EBB program in order to address a number of concerns regarding outreach, eligibility and transparency. It’s important to remember that this is a temporary program and that once the money runs out, the program will end.Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionFunding for Digital InclusionSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/01/29/emergency-broadband-benefit-what-we-know-so-far/
NYSED: Digital Equity SummitThe Board of Regents and the State Education Department convened the first of a series of Digital Equity Summits to establish a shared understanding of digital inequity and create a joint vision toward achieving digital equity in New York State. The first of these summits featured Executive Director of NDIA, Angela Siefer, and Economic and Digital Inclusion Program Manager for The City of Long Beach, CA. Rebecca F. Kauma.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/02/08/nysed-digital-equity-summit/
February Digital Inclusion 101 Webinar and ResourcesNDIA is hosting monthly Digital Inclusion 101 Webinars to engage new friends entering the Digital Inclusion field. Webinars will cover the same content each month. Please share our Digital Inclusion 101 content in your newsletters, social media, and with those in your network who should know about our work. Our next Digital Inclusion Webinar will be on Wednesday, February 17th, at 1-2PM EST. Please register and join us to learn more about the topics below.Digital Inclusion GuidanceOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralMichaela Perezhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/02/12/february-digital-inclusion-101-webinar-and-resources/
The Need for EBB Community-Based OutreachThe Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a $3.2 billion provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act which will reimburse internet service providers (ISPs) for providing broadband service and devices to low-income households. However, Congress did not allocate funds for EBB marketing or outreach. Schools, libraries, community-based organizations (CBO), local governments and states have experienced difficulties securing participation in free and low-cost internet programs established during the pandemic. Conventional marketing approaches have often had limited success in reaching and enrolling the households most in need of these programs. This is due to those households’ lack of digital skills, connectivity, lack of communication and support from known, trusted community sources.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/02/12/meeting-the-need-for-outreach-of-subsidized-broadband-service/
Why We Need Community Based Outreach For EBBRecently, NDIA filed reply comments to the FCC focusing on the need for community-based outreach of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. According to the language in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the FCC has exactly sixty days from the enactment of the bill to create the rules for the program. This deadline is February 26th making these reply comments our final opportunity to highlight this issue. In the comments, we recommended that the FCC allocate $30 million of its allowed $64 million in EBB program administration dollars to the states, tribes and territories to disburse for community-based outreach. Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/02/18/why-we-need-community-based-outreach-for-ebb/
How Can We Meet The Need For Outreach Of Subsidized Broadband Service?The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a $3.2 billion provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act which will reimburse internet service providers (ISPs) for providing broadband service and devices to low-income households. However, the program does not allocate any of these funds for EBB marketing which will be an obstacle for community based organizations that sign up families.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/02/22/how-can-we-meet-the-need-for-outreach-of-subsidized-broadband-service/
FCC Releases EBB RulesThe FCC has confirmed and released the rules on the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. The EBB program will provide eligible households with subsidies up to $50 a month for internet service ($75 a month for tribal households) and up to $100 for devices. To better aid our community, NDIA will be creating a summary of those rules. The $3.2 billion provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act promises to provide subsidies to households across the country as access to the internet has become more significant than ever. NDIA submitted to the FCC comments and reply comments regarding the EBB rules to ensure the expertise and experience of our Affiliates was considered.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/02/26/fcc-releases-ebb-rules/
More Replicable Digital Navigators Tools Now Available!In the Fall of 2020 NDIA partnered with the Salt Lake City Public Library and Urban Libraries Council to bridge the Digital Divide in Salt Lake City through the launch of a Digital Navigators pilot project. To prepare for direct service in December 2020, program leadership at the City Library and NDIA worked collaboratively to develop several tools for Digital Navigators to use as they recorded and addressed the needs of community members in Salt Lake City. Today, NDIA is proud to share template versions of these tools for the broader digital inclusion community.Digital Inclusion GuidanceGuidebooksDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralPaolo Balboahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/03/01/more-replicable-digital-navigators-tools-now-available/
Congress Introduces Accessible, Affordable Internet For All ActOn March 11th, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) introduced a new version of the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act (AAIA), which promises to invest $94 billion to build high-speed broadband infrastructure in underserved communities and ensure that the resulting internet service is affordable. The biggest price tag in the Act is $80 billion for deploying broadband infrastructure nationwide, with a concentrated focus on unserved and underserved rural, suburban and urban areas. ISPs networks that are built with these funds are required to offer an affordable service plan to every consumer.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/03/11/congress-introduces-accessible-affordable-internet-for-all-act/
Announced – Net Inclusion Speakers!This Series will include eight one-hour webinars, every Wednesday from April 7th through May 26th at 1 PM ET. All webinars include an additional 30-minute wrap up for conversation and Q&A with panelists and fellow participants. Attendees who register before 3/20 will receive stickers and a thank you letter.Digital Inclusion GuidanceOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/03/17/announced-net-inclusion-speakers/
Questions for Local ISP RepresentativesMore of us are now having discussions with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) locally, both through coalitions and directly. We encourage you to ask these questions and ask some version of them regularly.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralMichaela Perezhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/03/17/questions-for-local-isp-representatives/
Digital Equity Stimulus FundingThe COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the lack of digital equity for millions of households within communities of all kinds – big cities, small towns, suburban as well as rural and tribal communities. The majority of federal resources focused on the digital divide addressed the lack of broadband service in rural areas. While the challenge of the availability of internet service is urgent, our nation’s digital divide is also driven by huge disparities in broadband adoption.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionSean Davishttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/03/25/digital-equity-stimulus-funding/
NDIA Defines a State Digital Equity OfficeNDIA has released a new white paper – “Defining a State Digital Equity Office” authored by Amy Huffman, explaining how states are in a unique position to lead cross-sector, cross-departmental, multi-faceted digital inclusion activities that impact the entire state.Digital Inclusion GuidanceWhite PapersDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/03/22/ndia-defines-a-state-digital-equity-office/
Angela Siefer Testifies at State Senate Committee on Reimagining MassachusettsToday at the State Senate Committee on Reimagining Massachusetts Post-Pandemic Resiliency, NDIA’s Angela Siefer spoke on the organization’s support of the state making use of American Rescue Plan funds to back broadband service and device access, alongside digital literacy training, digital navigation and tech support.Local AnalysisBlog PostsLocal AnalysisDigital Inclusion - GeneralMiles Millerhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/04/06/angela-siefer-testifies-at-state-senate-committee-on-reimagining-massachusetts/
Trailblazers 2021It is with great pleasure that we announce the revision and update of the NDIA Trailblazer indicators and their associated checklist items! Updates to these Indicators and checklist items means that resources provided under the project will be even more refined and reliable than ever before, as Trailblazing cities continue to reach new heights in moving above and beyond the standard for what digital inclusion looks like, and how strategies are deployed. The 2021 updates ensure the continued quality of the Trailblazers project, including assurance of transparency and openness of coalition involvement, access to affordable home broadband options and relevant survey data.Local AnalysisBlog PostsLocal AnalysisDigital Inclusion - GeneralMiles Millerhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/03/30/trailblazers-2021/
NDIA Signatory on Letter Sent to White House & CongressNDIA has signed onto a letter with a broad coalition of organizations, including internet service providers, requesting the White House and Congress prioritize the creation of a predictable, sustainable, long-term broadband subsidy to ensure all people are empowered to fully share in the possibilities and opportunities that come with access to the internet.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital Inclusion, Digital Inclusion - General, Affordable Home InternetCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/04/07/ndia-signatory-on-digital-divide-letter/
NDIA Adds to Digital Inclusion Definitions!NDIA’s definitions of digital equity and digital inclusion have been used widely to advocate and legislate work and with all the changes in digital inclusion work this year, we’re proud to introduce two new definitions for major staples of our work: Digital Redlining and Digital Navigator.Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Redlining, Digital Inclusion - GeneralCaitlin Schwartzhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/07/23/ndia-adds-to-digital-inclusion-definitions/
Framework for Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Includes Digital EquityAccording to a fact sheet released by the White House on Wednesday, the pending infrastructure bill is set to include $65 billion for the country’s broadband infrastructure and adoption, with the aim of ensuring every American has access to high-speed internet.Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionFunding for Digital InclusionYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/07/29/framework-for-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill-includes-digital-equity/
Text of the Infrastructure Bill Is Here, and It’s Full of Good Things for Digital InclusionThe “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” totals nearly $1 trillion, with $65 billion set aside for broadband and historic levels of support for digital inclusion. The Senate began debating the bill over the weekend and may vote on it as early as the end of this week. Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionAmy Huffmanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/08/02/text-of-the-infrastructure-bill-is-finally-here-and-its-full-of-good-things-for-digital-inclusion/
NDIA Celebrates the Senate Passage of the Infrastructure BilAfter months of talks, the U.S. Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act today in a 69-30 vote. The bipartisan bill includes a $65 billion broadband proposal, designed to “connect every American to reliable high-speed internet,” according to the White House. As the package moves through the legislative process, NDIA will keep you updated on the bill and its impact on digital inclusion.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/08/10/infrastructure-bill/
Lumen Technologies’ Broadband Deployment Discriminates Against Lower-Income & Tribal AreasA new report, from Communications Workers of America in partnership with NDIA, shows that Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink) underinvested in building internet infrastructure in lower-income areas and Tribal lands. The report, titled, “Lumen’s Digital Disparity: Underinvestment in Infrastructure Discriminates Against Lower-Income, Rural, and Native American Customers,” analyzes Lumen, one of the country’s major broadband providers. Lumen has 4.7 million residential and small business subscribers, and is worsening the digital divide in the US by failing to invest in essential fiber-optic buildout in lower-income, rural, and Tribal communities. Measuring Inclusion, Local AnalysisBlog PostsMeasuring Inclusion, Local AnalysisDigital Redlining, Digital Inclusion - GeneralPaolo Balboahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/08/19/lumen-technologies-broadband-deployment-discriminates-against-lower-income-tribal-areas/
NDIA Community Defines ‘Digital Inclusion Ecosystem’The NDIA community worked together to define the concept of “Digital Inclusion Ecosystem.” A Digital Inclusion Ecosystem is a combination of programs and policies that meet a geographic community’s unique and diverse needs. Coordinating entities work together in an ecosystem to address all aspects of the digital divide, including affordable broadband, devices, and skills.Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/08/27/ndia-community-defines-digital-inclusion-ecosystem/
Salt Lake City Public Library Publishes Digital Navigator ToolkitLast fall, when NDIA launched our Digital Navigator training, Navigators was a nascent program with the potential to change the lives of community members in a transformative way. With guidance and feedback from the NDIA community participating in our expert working group, we gathered best practices and learned a lot, but we still needed to test the model on the ground. One year later, we are excited to share that Digital Navigators is a national, successful program model that highlights the importance of a human touch when providing services to use and access technology. Designed from the beginning as a replicable, scalable model, Digital Navigators has blossomed in a variety of scenarios to include programming focused on rural communities and program models that work through a city’s information hotline.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Literacy, Digital Inclusion - GeneralPaolo Balboahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/09/07/salt-lake-city-public-library-publishes-digital-navigator-toolkit/
Sen. Warnock and Rep. McEachin Introduce “The Device Access for Every American Act”We’re thrilled to announce that Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Virginia introduced the “Device Access for Every American Act” today. Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital Inclusion, Affordable Home InternetAmy Huffmanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/09/14/sen-warnock-and-rep-mceachin-introduce-the-device-access-for-every-american-act/
Treasury’s $10 Billion Capital Projects Fund Will Advance Digital EquityMore money (and lots of it) will soon be available for digital inclusion work, and no, we’re not just talking about the infrastructure bill. This week, the US Department of the Treasury released its long-awaited guidance for how states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments can spend the $10 billion allocated in Section 604 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Capital Projects. Truth be told, we at NDIA fully expected these funds to be solely dedicated to funding broadband infrastructure projects. Luckily, we were wrong! Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionAmy Huffmanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/09/24/treasurys-10-billion-capital-projects-fund-will-advance-digital-equity/
What Is Digital InequityDigital inequity is the disparity in access, knowledge, and ability to use digital tools and technology, particularly harming lower income individuals and minority communitiesDigital Inclusion GuidanceOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital LiteracyYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/10/06/what-is-digital-inequity/
NDIA Releases Our First-Ever Policy PrioritiesThe priorities urge Congress and the federal government to address the digital divide from multiple angles, resulting in all people in the United States having the tools to thrive in today’s digital world. Our recommendations will come as no surprise to our affiliates and friends, in fact, many of them come directly from our affiliates as they are the boots on the ground, leading the work that makes closing the digital divide possible.Digital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralDigital Inclusion GuidanceAffordable Home InternetAmy Huffmanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/10/18/ndia-releases-our-first-ever-policy-priorities/
President’s FCC & NTIA Nominees Friendly to Digital InclusionPresident Joe Biden made three well-suited nominations to critical positions at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) this week. The FCC and NTIA will take on an outsized role in closing the digital divide over the next few years. Given this, strong leadership dedicated to advancing digital equity is necessary—making Biden’s nominations great choices for the challenges ahead. Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAmy Huffmanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/news/
Two Years in the Making, the Digital Equity Act Passes in CongressThe following digital inclusion elements are included in the new Infrastructure Act: -Digital Equity Act: $2.75 billion over 5 years -Broadband Grants for States, DC, Puerto Rico & Territories: $42.5 billion -Broadband Benefit: $14.2 billion -Tribal Connectivity Program: $2 billion -Middle Mile Connectivity: $1 billion -“Digital Discrimination” by internet service providers is prohibited -Clear labeling of consumer broadband service offerings and pricesPolicy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/11/06/two-years-in-the-making-the-digital-equity-act-passes-in-congress/
NDIA Urges OCC to Continue Recognizing Digital Inclusion EffortsOn October 29, NDIA submitted comments to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) urging them to continue recognizing digital inclusion projects and programs that serve low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities as Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) qualifying activities.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAmy Huffmanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/11/17/ndia-urges-occ-to-continue-recognizing-digital-inclusion-efforts/
The Infrastructure Act and Digital Equity Act Passed … Now What?The federal agencies, like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will now begin designing rules and grant programs to distribute the funds, which could take many months in some cases. As such, we may not see any broadband funds from the IIJA until fall 2022. Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionAmy Huffmanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/11/16/the-infrastructure-act-and-digital-equity-act-passed-now-what/
Fond du Lac Reservation Gets Connected during the Pandemic & Just in TimeIn November 2019, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa community, located in northern Minnesota, had just connected to fiber broadband for the first time. A few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The launch of the Band’s broadband access could not have been timed better. During the pandemic, residents’ perspectives on connectivity quickly moved from a luxury to a necessity.Local AnalysisBlog PostsLocal AnalysisBroadband AdoptionYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/11/23/fond-du-lac-reservation-gets-connected-during-the-pandemic-just-in-time/
NDIA, SHLB & 68 Organizations Share Support for FCC & NTIA NomineesToday hearings began to consider President Joe Biden’s nominees for key positions at federal agencies now tasked with administering the new digital equity activities and programs funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conducts the hearings to advance the nominees to a full vote by the Senate. Up first was Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel who Biden nominated to serve as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralAmy Huffmanhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/11/17/ndia-shlb-68-organizations-share-support-for-fcc-ntia-nominees/
Spotlight: American Indian Policy Institute & What the Infrastructure Act Means for TribesAs we are steadily becoming used to the pandemic “new normal,” there are many critical facets which are necessary to our new way of life. One of those is having access to broadband. Yet, in 2019, the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) found that 18 percent of tribal reservation residents have no internet access, while 33 percent rely on smartphones for internet access. That’s why the issue of digital equity has become one of AIPI’s key focus areas. Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/11/30/spotlight-american-indian-policy-institute-what-the-infrastructure-act-means-for-tribes/
We Have Two New Definitions: ‘Broadband Equity’ & ‘Digital Divide’NDIA has two new definitions to add to our growing glossary. Definitions of “digital equity” and “digital inclusion” have been key to building the field and creating policy that addresses these areas. Our goal is to continue to co-create shared definitions with the community as we all work together toward digital equity.Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/11/29/we-have-two-new-definitions-broadband-equity-digital-divide/
Digital Inclusion Funding in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs ActThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as recently passed by Congress, appropriates over $65 billion to states, local governments, community organizations, and other entities for a range of digital inclusion activities. To help you better understand and navigate these funds, NDIA hosted a special webinar to break down different sources of funding included in the Infrastructure Act, who can access this funding, and what the funding can be used for.Policy PositionsOnline MediaPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralJosh Mimurahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/12/09/digital-inclusion-funding-in-the-infrastructure-investment-jobs-act/
December Webinars: Diving into the Infrastructure Act & Digital Inclusion 101The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as recently passed by Congress, appropriates over $65 billion to states, local governments, community organizations, and other entities for a range of digital inclusion activities. To help you better understand and navigate these funds, NDIA is hosting a special webinar to break down different sources of funding included in the Infrastructure Bill, who can access this funding, and what the funding can be used for.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/11/30/december-webinars-diving-into-the-infrastructure-act-digital-inclusion-101/
NDIA Submits Comments to the FCC on EBB TransitionThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act renames the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), appropriates 14.2 billion to the ACP, and makes several changes to the program’s benefits, eligibility, and other provisions. The FCC is statutorily required to initiate rulemaking with respect to the ACP within five days of enactment of the Infrastructure Act, to set a 20 day public comment period followed by a 20-day period for replies, and to resolve the rulemaking within 60 days of enactment.Policy PositionsPolicy PositionsPolicy PositionsAffordable Home InternetJosh Mimurahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/12/09/ndia-submits-comments-to-the-fcc-on-ebb-transition/
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Adopts NDIA Recommendations on Digital InclusionOn December 14, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) released its final rule on the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which states that it will continue to recognize digital inclusion efforts as CRA qualifying activities. The OCC is one of three federal agencies which regulate various types of lending institutions — banks, credit unions, thrift institutions, etc. These agencies (OCC, the Federal Reserve, and the FDIC) are responsible for enforcing the CRA’s requirement that financial institutions they regulate serve the credit needs of all communities in which they do business, especially low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods and households. Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralJosh Mimurahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/12/15/office-of-the-comptroller-of-the-currency-adopts-ndia-recommendations-on-digital-inclusion/
Meet the 2022 Benton Digital Equity Champions!For the first time, we named not one, but two emerging leaders for their work together on an outstanding digital inclusion project, centered around smartphone-based digital literacy skills for accessing mental health services. Increasing digital literacy, especially for smartphone devices, is critical to ensuring equitable access to mental health services. As COVID-19 has forced so much of mental health online, those unable to connect are excluded from care. As smartphones are the primary tool people use to access digital mental health (video visits and apps) – these programs are designed to directly teach skills and ‘train the trainers’ to offer that teaching.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/02/11/meet-the-2022-benton-digital-equity-champions/
Five Digital Literacy Resources You Need to Know AboutFor many digital inclusion practitioners, digital literacy can be daunting. When considering the needs of our communities, a one-size-fits all approach to digital literacy can’t be our solution. Instead, exploring a variety of lessons, courses and resources can help to build a solid foundation for how to address the unique needs of learners, and the methods for approaching digital literacy instruction. Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital LiteracyLo Smithhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/02/11/five-digital-literacy-resources-you-need-to-know-about/
NDIA Announces $10 Million Grant from Google.org to Remove Digital Divide Roadblocks for Rural & Tribal CommunitiesToday National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) announced a multi-year, $10M grant from Google.org to create a National Digital Navigator Corps. The Corps will span 18 rural and tribal communities across the United States and impact thousands of people through one-on-one technology training and community outreach to connect people to the internet, appropriate devices, and training.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/02/15/ndia-announces-10-million-grant-from-google-org-to-remove-digital-divide-roadblocks-for-rural-tribal-communities/
Nine Digital Inclusion Orgs Launch Airwaves for Equity CoalitionToday, nine of the nation’s leading digital equity organizations announced the launch of Airwaves for Equity, a coalition focused on asking Congress to dedicate the net proceeds from future spectrum auctions to support digital literacy and inclusion efforts. The coalition consists of the American Library Association (ALA), the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the Center for Rural Strategies, Common Sense Media, Consumer Reports, National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), Public Knowledge, the Open Technology Institute at New America, and the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition.Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/02/23/nine-digital-inclusion-orgs-launch-airwaves-for-equity-coalition/
NDIA Publishes New Digital Inclusion Coalition GuidebookDigital inclusion coalitions are increasingly being recognized as a key element of communities’ digital inclusion ecosystems. Back in 2017, NDIA published the first Digital Inclusion Coalition Guidebook, reflecting lessons learned from six established community-wide digital inclusion coalitions. Digital Inclusion GuidanceGuidebooksDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralMunirih Jesterhttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/02/24/ndia-publishes-new-digital-inclusion-coalition-guidebook/
Big Picture: How Is the US Doing on Digital Inclusion?As digital equity is a worldwide issue, it’s helpful to zoom out occasionally and look at where the United States is compared to other countries. What challenges do we share? How are we approaching digital inclusion similarly and differently? What can we learn from each other? This is also a helpful exercise to see the big picture – to celebrate the progress we’ve recently made and identify gaps that still exist.Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/02/25/big-picture-us-digital-inclusion/
Five Black History Month Highlights You Shouldn’t MissBlack leaders and communities have been at the root of digital inclusion work for decades. Black History Month is a key time to acknowledge this history, reflect on accomplishments in Black communities, and celebrate Black leadership. We also acknowledge that this needs to be done all year round, as digital equity is inextricably tied to racial equity and the empowerment of Black communities. This month, we wanted to highlight and celebrate some work by affiliates and friends that highlights the variety of Black influence and excellence in digital inclusion.Measuring InclusionBlog PostsMeasuring InclusionDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/02/28/five-black-history-month-highlights-you-shouldnt-miss/
What You Need to Know Now about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)On February 24, NDIA hosted a webinar on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Digital Inclusion GuidanceOnline MediaDigital Inclusion GuidanceBroadband AdoptionJosh Mimurahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/02/28/what-you-need-to-know-now-about-the-affordable-connectivity-program-acp/
Technical Experts, Advocates, Activists Will Share Insights on Community-Driven Digital Equity Solutions at Upcoming EventAs an unprecedented level of broadband infrastructure funding is opening up to communities across the country, many local leaders are finding themselves overwhelmed by information and evolving rules. To help demystify broadband and digital equity policy and give officials the grounding they need to undertake projects, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) will host a fast-paced, fun, and interactive virtual gathering on March 16th, 2022. Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/03/09/technical-experts-advocates-activists-will-share-insights-on-community-driven-digital-equity-solutions-at-upcoming-event/
NDIA Comments on Consumer Broadband LabelsOn March 9, NDIA submitted comments to the FCC regarding the implementation of Section 60504 of the Infrastructure Act, which requires internet service providers to display consumer broadband labels for their internet service plans. Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralJosh Mimurahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/03/10/ndia-comments-on-consumer-broadband-labels/
NDIA Encourages FCC to Engage Trusted Community Organizations in ACP OutreachThis week, National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) encouraged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to involve trusted community organizations in outreach efforts for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). NDIA submitted comments to the FCC regarding the implementation of an ACP outreach grant program and a pilot program focused on promoting ACP enrollment among households participating in Federal Public Housing Assistance programs.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsFunding for Digital InclusionJosh Mimurahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/03/17/ndia-encourages-fcc-to-engage-trusted-community-organizations-in-acp-outreach/
NDIA Encourages FCC to Engage Trusted Community Organizations in ACP OutreachThis week, National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) encouraged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to involve trusted community organizations in outreach efforts for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). NDIA submitted comments to the FCC regarding the implementation of an ACP outreach grant program and a pilot program focused on promoting ACP enrollment among households participating in Federal Public Housing Assistance programs.Policy PositionsBlog PostsPolicy PositionsDigital Inclusion - GeneralJosh Mimurahttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/03/17/ndia-encourages-fcc-to-engage-trusted-community-organizations-in-acp-outreach/
Grow with Google/Ujima Grantees Bring Ongoing Digital Skills Training to Their CommunitiesThe Grow with Google (GwG)/Ujima Project challenged six NDIA affiliates to activate GwG trainings, tools, and resources to upskill Black jobseekers and students in their communities. Grow with Google is an initiative through which Google partners with organizations to provide digital literacy workshops and one-on-one coaching. The six Ujima Project grantees received funding to provide Grow with Google trainings to over 200 community members, despite in-person events being affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Further, all grantees have plans to continue to access and use GwG resources in their training. Local AnalysisBlog PostsLocal AnalysisDigital LiteracyKristi Zappie-Ferradinohttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/03/18/grow-with-google-ujima-grantees-bring-ongoing-digital-skills-training-to-their-communities/
NTIA Hires First-Ever Digital Equity DirectorAngela Thi Bennett will serve as the first-ever digital equity director at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), within the US Department of Commerce. She will move from her current position as DigitalC’s director of advocacy, where she has been a strong champion for digital inclusion in Cleveland. Angela has also been deeply engaged in national digital equity work for years with National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). Digital Inclusion GuidanceBlog PostsDigital Inclusion GuidanceDigital Inclusion - GeneralYvette Scorsehttps://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2022/03/23/angela-thi-bennett/

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Digital Divide and Structural Racism

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FCC Broadband Report Ignores Affordability Issue

The Digital Inclusion Start-Up Manual

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