State Broadband Grants Are Helping States Embrace Digital Government

[Commentary] With the Internet on our phones, our tablets, at the office and in our homes, most Americans have come to expect that our government, too, will be online. Still, whether it’s due to a lack of resources or skepticism over the need, some local governments have yet to fully embrace the potential of e-Government.

As part of our efforts to expand broadband access and adoption, NTIA’s State Broadband Initiative (SBI) has been working with states to help them provide the tools for citizens to participate in government online. These efforts are providing real benefits for consumers in many states, including allowing residents to communicate with government officials, make online tax or fine payments, and access numerous government forms. Often, the savings created by a new or expanded website offsets the costs of creating and maintaining these sites by allowing county and city employees to spend less time taking in-person payments or answering questions over the phone. Transitioning to e-Government, with the help of NTIA’s state broadband grants, has revolutionized the ability of local governments across the nation to improve the quality and delivery of services while boosting government efficiency and transparency.

[Anne Neville is Director of the State Broadband Initiative]