Connecticut digital equity plan seeking public comment
The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services’ Commission for Educational Technology on Wednesday released a draft of the state’s digital equity plan after spending the past year gathering feedback from thousands of residents about the barriers to technology they encounter.
Funding to support Connecticut’s digital equity plan, titled “Everyone Connected,” comes from the $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Accessibility and Deployment, or BEAD, grant program spawned by the 2021 infrastructure bill, which funds expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure and boosts access to devices and training programs.
“Connecticut has taken significant steps to close the digital divide in our state,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement about the plan. “The goals in the ‘Everyone Connected’ plan extend that work, from connections and computers to training and support that help improve the lives of all residents.”
The state reported speaking with 7,000 of its residents about their tech barriers.
According to the draft plan, Connecticut is focused on closing the digital divide and increasing internet access for residents at or below 150% of the poverty line, racial and ethnic minorities, the aging, formerly incarcerated people, individuals with disabilities or language barriers, those living in rural areas and veterans.
The plan’s release begins a mandatory 30-day public comment period, during which Connecticut residents can submit their feedback through the state’s digital equity website, by email, or phone through January 20, 2024. The commission is required to review the feedback and make revisions to the plan before finalizing it by next April.
All 50 states have submitted digital equity plans to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Louisiana is the only state to have completed all ten phases of the review process.
