¡Su opinión cuenta! Puerto Rico Releases Initial Draft of Digital Equity Plan

Puerto Rico’s mountainous geography and experience with natural disasters play a role in the digital divide that leaves too many without the ability to access broadband internet. Widespread damage to the island’s existing telecommunications infrastructure as a result of recent natural disasters—such as Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Hurricane Fiona, the 2020 earthquakes, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic—highlighted the importance of reliable and affordable broadband access, particularly for remote work, online learning, telehealth services, and connecting with the government. These events demonstrated the urgent need for a comprehensive and resilient broadband network in Puerto Rico and the social supports required for residents to access it. The Puerto Rico Broadband Program (PRBP), located within the Puerto Rico Office of Management & Budget, was created in response to these needs, with a focus on establishing a robust, sustainable, and equitably distributed broadband infrastructure that can withstand future natural disasters and support the island’s economic and human capital development. PRBP is a collaborative effort between federal and local government agencies, private sector partners, and community organizations, working together to bring high-speed internet access to all Puerto Ricans. [Este resumen está disponible en español.]