Input period to end soon for state’s draft digital equity plan

Program aimed at increasing high-speed internet access

As part of his regular update to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Regional Broadband Coordinator Scott Armstrong reminded attendees that the California Department of Technology (CDT) is accepting public comments on a Draft Digital Equity Plan through

Jan.25, 2024.

According to Armstrong, the Digital Equity Plan is part of the Federal Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program, or BEAD, which itself is part of the federal Investment Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA).

The program makes available $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs across the country.

The Digital Equity Plan will allow California to apply for grant funding through BEAD and other programs authorized by the bipartisan IIJA. According to the draft Plan, one in five California residents lacks access to reliable, high-speed broadband, affordable internet service and devices, and the training and skills to use them.

Providing these essentials to as many homes, schools, and businesses as possible is meant to create equity and make positive impacts on everything from education and health care, to workforce and economic development, to public safety.

Inyo County residents are encouraged to provide their feedback on the document.

“Your perspective is extremely valuable in helping to refine the plan and ensure it meets the needs of all Californians,” the CDT stated.

The draft Digital Equity Plan was developed with input from across the state, including Inyo and Mono counties.

The Eastern Sierra participated remotely in a Digital Equity Plan workshop in May 2023, and residents provided feedback to be incorporated into the plan.

Residents can assist in the further development of the plan by submitting a comment by visiting the State Digital Equity Plan page to access the draft, then selecting the public comment form and following the instructions from there. Or, visit https:// broadbandforall.cdt. ca.gov/state-digital-equityplan/.