As all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico draft and release their digital equity plans, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is tracking how they articulate their visions of digital equity. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) suggests that digital equity visions address at least these two questions:
- What will digital equity look like in the context of your state?
- What are the broad goals that should be accomplished in executing this plan (e.g., improve rural health outcomes, increase underrepresented youth employment in technology-related fields)?
[Bolded states have released their visions; click thru to see full text.]
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii: All who call Hawai'i home have the confidence, ability, and pathways to thrive in a digital world.
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky: Kentucky will be a place where all individuals, businesses, and communities have full andequitable digital access to pursue economic and personal opportunities.
Louisiana: Louisiana’s vision is that digital equity will be achieved for all residents and communities.
Maine: We envision a Maine where all of us, especially those traditionally underserved and facing more barriers to being connected, can take full advantage of the economic, educational, health, civic, social and other benefits that reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband can provide. By connecting everyone and ensuring that Mainers have the support and resources to realize the benefits of that connectivity fully, we can ensure there is a place for everyone to thrive in our economy and communities.
Michigan: The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office envisions a connected and inclusive state where every resident has an affordable high-speed internet connection available to them regardless of where they live, how much money they make, or what they look like.
Minnesota: A future where digital equity connects all Minnesota residents to opportunities, options, and each other.
Montana: The Montana Broadband Office’s vision is to narrow the digital divide in support of Montana’s economic, workforce, health, and educational goals by ensuring reliable, affordable internet access for all Montanans.
Nevada: By 2029, all Nevadans have access to affordable, reliable, scalable high-speed internet, a connected device, and the digital skills and support needed to safely and securely work, learn, and thrive.
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico: Ensure all Puerto Ricans, regardless of their background or location, have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in the digital world and fully participate in modern society.
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee: Tennessee’s vision for digital opportunity is ensuring that all Tennesseans have access to affordable and reliable internet service, dependable technology, and the digital literacy skills necessary to empower individuals to fully access all digital opportunities.
Utah: To realize a Utah where all are invited to fully participate in modern society through access to affordable high-speed internet, safe and reliable devices, and training to achieve digital independence.
Washington: Everyone in Washington has affordable broadband internet technology as well as the tools and skills needed to participate in our digital society before 2028.
West Virginia: Ensure that all West Virginians have the resources they need to participate in the digital world and achieve the economic benefits of digital equity.
Wisconsin: All Wisconsinites will have equitable access to affordable broadband service and the capacity to fully engage in a digital society. High-speed broadband will benefit all residents and communities.
Wyoming: Wyoming’s vision is to ensure that every citizen and business can connect to and effectively use affordable, reliable, and future-proof broadband.