Broadband’s broken promise: How federal failures and funding fights keep Native and Black farmers offline
Across the US, Indigenous and Black farmers face ‘digital redlining,’ a web of barriers to affordable broadband even as billions in federal dollars flow to internet providers. Rooted in high costs, policy failures and historic exclusion, the connectivity gap endures — but communities are fighting back with local solutions.
New data mapping tool helps officials identify telemedicine service gaps
The tool can also help strengthen governments’ efforts to advocate for funding opportunities like the recently announced $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, one expert says.
State loses $5.6M in federal funding to expand digital access, help with unemployment insurance
The Trump administration recently terminated more than $5 million promised to South Dakota for expanded access to digital technology.
At least 20 states have reportedly lost digital equity grant funding
States across the country have had their grant funding pulled after President Donald Trump announced he was ending the program. Program supporters say they are plotting their next steps.
Rethink federal spending to save broadband subsidy, tech group argues
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation said the government should prioritize affordability over infrastructure and tweak eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
States urge Supreme Court to save affordable internet access program
States are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to save a program designed to make telephone service and internet access affordable for low-income, rural and tribal residents.
Rhode Island looks to help older adults navigate a digital world
The nation’s smallest state has big plans to help aging individuals have more equitable access in an increasingly digital society.
Nearly $1B available for local digital inclusion projects
The goal of the new federal grant program is to fund local efforts that provide underserved communities with the tools and skills needed to access high-speed internet service.
23M households will no longer receive monthly federal internet subsidy
The Affordable Connectivity Program has officially run out of money. But more than a dozen internet providers have pledged to offer plans at $30 or less through 2024 for low-income households.
Colorado becomes first state with sweeping artificial intelligence regulations
The law attempts to mitigate algorithmic discrimination in AI systems that make consequential decisions related to hiring, banking and housing.
Initial funding for digital equity plans is available. But how do states plan to use it?
Some have identified creative solutions to address affordability, digital skills and accessibility issues. But one approach—reliance on the federal internet subsidy that is about to expire—could force some states back to the drawing board.
Rural students’ access to Wi-Fi is in jeopardy as pandemic-era resources recede
COMMENTARY | Internet access among rural students had begun to decline in 2022, putting them at significant educational disadvantage compared with their better-connected peers. This trend is likely to accelerate with the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
23M low-income households appear set to lose internet subsides
Congressional leaders did not include funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program in its final six spending bills.
States, feds at odds over low-cost broadband option
Virginia says it’s unlawful to set a price for how much a company receiving federal broadband grants can charge low-income households. The feds disagree. They are withholding funding until the state sets a limit.
More than 17M low-income households will experience service disruptions if internet subsidy ends
Without the the Affordable Connectivity program, millions of families could lose internet access that they rely on for work, school and health care, new survey data shows.
How governments handle data matters for inclusion
Algorithms and artificial intelligence can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public services. But if underlying data is not handled thoughtfully, it can mirror and perpetuate existing inequalities.
County officials lobby for internet subsidies
The FCC is currently turning away hundreds of thousands seeking assistance. If Congress doesn’t soon approve more funding, rural and urban county officials warn, millions will be plunged into “digital darkness.”
A robust digital equity plan can boost rural broadband access
A new toolkit from a rural broadband association calls on local leaders to build partnerships, engage in community outreach, and emphasize digital literacy and cybersecurity skills among residents.
3 Simple Steps to Improve Digital Government
COMMENTARY | A customer-centric approach to digital government can help agencies connect more individuals and families with critical services and strengthen the bonds of trust between government and those they serve.
A New Map Could Mean Less Money to Expand Broadband for Some States
The revised map that shows where there is little to no internet service in the U.S. comes as the feds are about to distribute nearly $42.5 billion in broadband funding.
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