National Digital Inclusion Alliance Gets $10 Million Grant from Google Charity Arm

▤ Summary

We need to make sure that were building the capacity of the organizations that are serving these communities so this work can continue.Theres a lot of requirements and not a lot of time, but we really want to make sure that we support states to reach that end goal of creating digital equity ecosystems across the country that are sustainable, agreed Amy Huffman, policy director for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.To achieve this goal, Huffman advocated for prioritizing community engagement first and foremost, from the initial planning stages through implementation.It should not only be a checking a box, but it needs to be meaningful and continuous, she said. The focus has got to be on affordability, because we know its basically lower income people who do not subscribe to broadband.While the Affordable Connectivity Program was designed to address this very issue, many experts have predicted that it will run out of funding by mid-2024.The extension of ACP is urgent, Lathen said One of the worst things you can do is sign people up and then drop the program, because I think another major factor impacting adoption is trust.The collapse of the ACP could also impact the efficacy of other federal connectivity initiatives, Huffman warned.The Digital Equity Act is $2.75 billion its a lot of money but thats not enough to cover affordability, devices, skills, everything for the foreseeable future, she said. If we are truly wanting to accomplish internet for all, we also need to make sure that [those segments] are also able to receive access.Our Broadband Breakfast Live Online events take place on Wednesday at 12 Noon ET. She is a public servant, systems thinker, innovative policy expert, and a storyteller with a passion for digital equity that spans more than 10 years. As Editor and Publisher, Clark presides over the leading media company advocating for higher-capacity internet everywhere through topical, timely and intelligent coverage.

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