Government Technology

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) has increased its use of tablets for individuals in custody since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to keep individuals connected to important resources, and plans are in place to continue to expand on the program even more. Tablets have proven to be a useful tool in improving behavior, offering classes and even as a substitute for the in-person visits curtailed by the pandemic. What initially started as a pilot program has since been expanded to allow the majority of inmates in DOC facilities to have access to a tablet.

Thanks largely to the federal infrastructure law and incoming funding, now is the time to develop the sorts of public-private partnerships to grow broadband access for all residents and businesses, experts contend. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It’s probably a once-in-a-century moment. This is the moment in which we will solve many of our broadband problems, as a nation,” said Joanne Hovis, president of CTC Technology & Energy [andBenton Institute for Broadband & Society Board Member]. Collaborations between the public and private sectors can take many forms.

Broadband efforts in Colorado remain a high priority, with Brandy Reitter to serve as the new executive director of the Colorado Broadband Office. Reitter, who has been serving in local government for the last 15 years, will begin her new role at the Colorado Broadband Office in February 2022, replacing Julia Richman, who serves as deputy executive director of the Office of Information Technology (OIT). Reitter will lead the state’s broadband strategy during a time of robust advancement and development of Internet connectivity, particularly for rural areas.

With significant funds being allocated by federal and state governments, the requisite attention and resources may finally be lining up to make big headway in narrowing the digital divide. However, the focus must shift to expanding broadband access in the fastest and most efficient way. Leveraging extensive data sets from private, public and nonprofit sources and applying artificial intelligence capabilities can provide insights from the largest lens down to a microscopic view of state, county and census block groups.

The recently signed $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure package includes $2.75 billion for digital equity and inclusion work, delivering an investment that advocates are calling unprecedented and historic. That number comes within a larger $65 billion sum going toward broadband connectivity. This money is earmarked for organizations at the state and local levels, a key structure choice given that effective digital inclusion programs vary significantly by community according to Amy Huffman, policy director for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA).

Ten organizations receiving funding through The Town Link, a program that aims to improve digital equity in Oakland (CA) will be offering various trainings over the next year to improve digital inclusion and literacy within their communities. The organizations will each receive $10,000 to inform residents about affordable broadband plans, pay for computers and tablets, and then teach them the necessary skills to use those devices. The campaigns are to be complete by fall 2022.