The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted the North Carolina Digital Equity Plan, making the state eligible to apply for more than $22 million in federal digital inclusion funds to begin implementing it. The plan aims to address digital disparities so all state residents can participate in today’s increasingly digital world.
“The North Carolina Digital Equity Plan plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all North Carolinians have access to affordable high-speed internet, devices and necessary digital skills, and accessible and inclusive online content,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “It incorporates feedback from thousands of individuals and organizations serving communities across the state who shared their wisdom and lived experiences.”
The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity developed the plan, which identifies digital equity needs for all state residents with a focus on aging individuals; incarcerated individuals; individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group; individuals who live in low-income households; individuals who primarily reside in a rural area; individuals with a language barrier (including individuals who are English learners and those with low levels of literacy); individuals with disabilities; veterans; and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+.
“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and the NTIA for their partnership in closing the digital divide through this dedicated funding opportunity that will help make our state’s digital equity plan a reality,” said Nate Denny, deputy secretary of the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity.
To help develop the plan, the division held eight regional sessions and 23 listening sessions to engage state agencies, local digital inclusion planning teams and coalitions, and individuals and organizations serving communities across the state to better understand the needs of all North Carolinians. The plan also incorporates public feedback and input collected from more than 7,000 respondents through the state’s first Digital Equity Survey to assess individual’s needs and barriers to overcome.
To learn more about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity and Governor Cooper’s plan to close the digital divide in North Carolina, visit ncbroadband.gov.