Bridging the Digital Divide: A Call to Review State Broadband Implementation Plans
In our rapidly advancing digital age, access to high-speed internet has become more than a convenience—it is an essential tool for education, employment, healthcare, and civic engagement. However, the harsh reality is that the digital divide persists, leaving millions without reliable internet access. As digital equity advocates, it is crucial for us to scrutinize and actively engage with our state broadband implementors to ensure plans are genuinely inclusive and effective.
We ask all our partners and affiliates to review your state’s BEAD & DE plans here. If you do not see your state/territory on the list, it is because of two things: (1) they have not posted their plans for comment, or (2) the comment period has closed. To check the status of your state/territory click here. States have until December 27th to submit their Initial Proposals and plans to NTIA.
Even if public comment is closed, we encourage you to reach out to your State Broadband Leaders Network (SBLN) and contact them about any concerns. Each State’s Broadband Leaders can be found here.
Access to broadband is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for full participation in modern society. Whether it's for remote learning, telehealth services, job opportunities, or simply staying connected with loved ones, broadband access is the lifeline that bridges geographical gaps and promotes social and economic growth.
Despite the recognition of its importance, the implementation of broadband infrastructure faces various challenges, such as uneven distribution, affordability issues, and inadequate speeds in certain regions. Rural areas, in particular, are disproportionately affected, perpetuating a digital divide that exacerbates existing disparities.
By reviewing state broadband implementation plans, advocates can identify gaps, assess the effectiveness of proposed strategies, and ensure that the allocated resources are being used wisely. Here are key areas to focus on:
Inclusive Mapping: Ensure that broadband maps accurately reflect the reality of access in all communities, especially in rural and underserved areas. Advocates should question the methodology used in mapping and demand updates that capture the dynamic nature of broadband availability.
Affordability Measures: Examine plans for measures that address the affordability barrier. Are there provisions for subsidized internet services, discounts for low-income households, or community programs that promote digital literacy? Advocates should push for comprehensive strategies that go beyond infrastructure development.
Community Engagement: Evaluate the level of community engagement in the planning process. True digital equity requires a bottom-up approach, where the voices of local communities are heard and considered. Advocate for inclusive forums, public consultations, and partnerships with local organizations to address unique community needs.
Data Security and Privacy: Ensure that plans prioritize robust data security and privacy measures. As we expand our digital footprint, protecting sensitive information becomes paramount. Advocates should demand transparency regarding how personal data will be handled and protected.
Future-Proof Infrastructure: Assess the scalability and adaptability of proposed infrastructure. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements, advocates must ensure that the implemented solutions are not only effective today but also capable of meeting the demands of tomorrow.
Digital equity is not a distant goal; it is an urgent imperative. By actively engaging with and reviewing state broadband implementation plans, digital equity advocates can contribute to the creation of a more inclusive, connected, and empowered society. The time to bridge the digital divide is now, and our collective advocacy can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who have long been left on the wrong side of the broadband gap.
In addition to our call to action for reviewing each state’s proposals, we also encourage everyone to continue to reach out to your congressional leaders to sustain the Affordable Connectivity Program. The ACP in tandem with BEAD infrastructure planning is a huge step toward closing the digital divide.