CT digital equity plan reveals gaps in internet access

A draft of Connecticut’s digital equity plan outlines gaps in internet access and digital literacy based on income, race, and location, and proposes long-term, mostly government-funded fixes along with increased awareness of existing resources.

The state defines digital equity as a condition “in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for participation in society, democracy and the economy of the state.” State officials are gathering public input on the draft plan, titled “Connecticut: Everyone Connected,” until Jan. 20.

Connecticut is among the most technologically advanced and well-educated states, and most of its households have internet service. Also, computer training programs abound through state agencies, nonprofit organizations, adult-education programs, and libraries, the plan says.

However, only about 75 percent of households subscribe to broadband services and gauges of digital literacy and online security knowledge point to a deeper problem, the report says.

“Access to devices and connections is one thing; making effective use of them to improve lives is another. Even Connecticut residents who are online report a lack of skills to engage in online learning, professional advancement, health and wellness, civic engagement, and public service activities,” the draft plan says.

Residents of particular concern include the poor, Black people, older residents, rural residents, prison inmates, and people with limited or no English proficiency. Key initiatives include:

Promote development of digital skills and technical support programs.

Increase public awareness of digital equity resources.

Ensure residents have affordable options for getting online.

Support high-speed broadband infrastructure buildout.

“This plan aims to expand, amplify, and enhance those programs and initiatives that are already connecting, training, and providing support to everyone in Connecticut,” the draft equity plan says, “especially those who can benefit most from engaging in the digital world.”

The draft plan includes comments from residents about their problems and frustrations with access to equipment and connectivity. Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management, which has been working to map broadband access across the state, found that many urban areas and large portions of rural northwest Connecticut lack reliable service.

“When I moved from California to Windsor, the switch was drastic,” one resident said. “In California, I could get help with my internet on the same day within a few hours. But here, even though we’re only three hours away, it took about a week to fix our spotty internet. We have limited providers, and the competition is scarce . ... The difference between urban and rural areas is significant.”

Currently, about 170,000 Connecticut households participate in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which includes credits to offset home broadband costs totaling more than $23 million and provides help with buying devices to more than 25,000 residents.

Last year, the U.S. Commerce Department granted nearly $6 million to Connecticut for planning the statewide deployment and adoption of high-speed internet. Most of the funding will go toward the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Office of Telecommunications and Broadband to develop its plan for making broadband available throughout the state — extending connectivity to unserved and underserved areas.

About $750,000 was set aside to develop the digital equity plan. The planning grants are expected to open the door to a potential $100 million in federal funding over the next five years.

Residents who meet the digital connection benchmark cited in the report have a computer, smartphone, and a wired home internet connection. Those who meet the standard for digital literacy can complete at least five of six key tasks and those who meet the security benchmark “are very or fairly familiar with all key security concepts.”

The gap in digital literacy between members of certain populations, including Black and Hispanic residents, “is especially troubling given the necessity of digital skills in navigating key health care, education, and workforce services, in obtaining essential services, and in promoting civic engagement,” the plan says. “While some programs have begun to meet that need, the magnitude of the skill gap far exceeds program capacity.”

Some proposed solutions to expand computer access include creating a pipeline for collection, preparation, and distribution of decommissioned computers from state agencies and partnering with colleges and other organizations to provide quality refurbished devices.

Among the other comments from residents for the plan involved price and reliability in some areas.

“When the pandemic started, it was challenging for us, especially in our organization,” a rural area resident was quoted as saying. “The service was unreliable, and the building wasn’t the best. I would frequently get disconnected during Zoom meetings.”

“It’s just ridiculous. So I got rid of cable companies years ago,” a person commenting on affordability said, “and I just get internet and the internet ... they want $76 to $80 something a month just for internet … And it’s supposed to be — it’s the slowest internet service that they got.”

Plan participants from different groups said offering financial support, in the form of subsidies, discounts, or training programs, would significantly contribute to making internet services more affordable and accessible to everyone.

“This approach aligns with the idea that high-quality internet should be treated as a basic public service, akin to education and health care, highlighting the essential role of internet connectivity in modern life,” the report said.

The state Department of Administrative Services’ Commission for Educational Technology is gathering public comment on the draft equity plan. Residents may email comments to DigitalEquity@ct.gov, or call the comment line at 860-622-2032. All comments must be received by Jan. 20. The commission is to consider feedback before finalizing the plan by the end of March.