National Digital Inclusion Alliance
Your Voice Matters: State Digital Equity Plans Seek Public Feedback
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will regularly post Digital Equity plans on this website. If you’re unsure about when your state’s digital equity plan will be available for public comment, we recommend bookmarking the link and checking it frequently. The public comment period is a mandatory step in the State Digital Equity Plan process that solicits a public response and comments on the draft plan. To know when to expect your
ACP Maps, Dashboards, and Tools: Which is Right for You?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households with a subsidy toward their internet bill. Looking at data can help us fill the gaps in ACP enrollment and push for its renewal in Congress. Several organizations have recognized this need and have created tools that enable us to make informed statements and decisions around ACP. Below is a review of these tools and some suggestions for the best tool for different uses:
Department of Labor Seeks to Better Bridge Digital Divide in the Nation’s Workforce
The US Department of Labor (DOL) is considering the essential role of digital skills and broadband in the workforce. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) emphasized that digital skills are key to digital equity in our recent comments in response to DOL’s Digital Literacy and Resilience Request for Information. NDIA’s comments highlighted models of digital skills programs operating within the framework of holistic digital inclusion strategies. NDIA emphasized five overarching points:
NDIA and Common Sense Media Highlight Community Perspectives on Digital Discrimination
In the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress recognized that digital discrimination is a real and present problem for many people and charged the Federal Communications Commission with developing rules to prevent and eliminate it. NDIA and Common Sense Media submitted comments in response to the FCC’s recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the forthcoming digital discrimination rules. Examples of discriminatory practices to look out for: Pricing, Performance, Customer service, Network maintenance, Contract terms and conditions, and Marketing.
State Digital Equity Plan Toolkit
It has been just over a year since the Digital Equity Act (DEA) was signed into law as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the $2.75 billion it provides is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design systems that will enable true digital equity. Congress and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration outlined specifics for states to include in their digital equity plans.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2023 Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Awards
Do you know someone who should be recognized for their work in digital equity? Or someone who has brought a fresh, innovative perspective to the field? The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) is now accepting applications for the Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Awards.
ACP Outreach Grants Are Here – Here’s What You Need to Know
On November 10, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially opened the application window for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Outreach Grant with the release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Applications are due January 9, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST. If you’re interested in applying for a grant, we encourage you to start the process as soon as possible, as there are several steps you will need to take. The NOFO includes information on eligibility, funding allocation, funding prioritization factors, and guidance on how to prepare for receiving grant f
NDIA Adds Community Perspectives on FCC Digital Discrimination Process
The Federal Communications Commission is engaging the public in a few ways in its effort to learn about different perspectives on digital discrimination. Beginning with the Notice of Inquiry (NOI), the FCC asked for input on how to implement the digital discrimination section of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). In May, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) submitted comments on our perspective of how the FCC should implement rules to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination.
Calling All Coalitions: This Is Your Chance to Contribute to State Digital Equity Plans
In Fall 2022, states, territories, and the District of Columbia (DC) will receive Digital Equity Act (DEA) Planning Grant awards – and, with approximately a year to develop their state digital equity plan, they’ll start the process quickly. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requires states, territories and DC (or the administering entities) to engage with a variety of stakeholders in creating the plan, including community anchor institutions, county and municipal governments, local educational agencies, and nonprofit organizations.