From Nevada's draft Digital Equity Plan (released September 2023)
Nevada's vision for digital equity is that by 2029: All Nevadans have access to affordable, reliable, scalable high-speed internet, a connected device, and the digital skills and support needed to safely and securely work, learn, and thrive.
Our digital equity vision is ambitious and expansive. It is rooted in the reality that our world is becoming increasingly connected and increasingly reliant on connectivity. We must do all we can to ensure that all Nevadans, especially those populations who are traditionally underserved and experience more connectivity barriers, have access to tools, programs, resources, and knowledge to use the internet to learn, earn, and live well.
Local community-based organizations, non-profits and governments have existing relationships with those Nevadans that are most affected by the digital divide. To successfully realize our shared digital equity vision, strong state-local partnerships where the State supports and builds the capacity of local activities is Nevada's pathway to success. Many activities will be required to make this vision a reality, but federal funds are limited and not every required activity is best funded by federal dollars. The Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) pledges continuous stakeholder engagement to efficiently and effectively plan and execute these activities, identify public-private partnerships, and rally outside organizations and sources of funding to support and supplement State resources.
Based on our community outreach and engagement, OSIT has identified six priorities that will guide our digital equity work over the next five years:
- Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
- Adoption
- Affordability
- Device Access
- Digital Literacy
- Awareness and Sustainability