Digital Divide

New FCC broadband standard increases the number of ‘underserved’ households in America

An estimated 22 million Americans still lack home broadband access, according to a new report. But that number could be higher after the FCC increased the definition of what constitutes broadband.

  • By Chris Teale

Concerns rise as aid to help low-income families afford broadband nears end

State broadband offices say that a subsidy to help low-income households get online is key to national efforts to provide every American with access to high-speed internet.

  • By Kery Murakami

Lack of access to cloud computing may hinder rural innovation, study shows

Rural businesses innovate at rates similar to urban businesses when they have access to the cloud. But they need fast, stable internet connection to maintain that competitiveness.

  • By Ahna Renee Fleming, The Daily Yonder

3 Simple Steps to Improve Digital Government

COMMENTARY | A customer-centric approach to digital government can help agencies connect more individuals and families with critical services and strengthen the bonds of trust between government and those they serve.

  • By Michele Causey

Inside one state’s decade-long effort to map broadband availability

Thanks to its detailed data on household internet availability and speed, Colorado has been able to make the most of federal broadband funding opportunities.

  • By Chris Teale

The Other Digital Divide

Jobs using technology are more common in some parts of the country than in others, according to a recent study. The divide is leading to a widening wage and skills gap.

  • By Kery Murakami

How an inclusive work environment attracts, retains tech workers

An inclusive IT staff helps Detroit close workforce gaps and bridge the digital divide.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

New HUD Playbook Guides Underserved Communities in Accessing Broadband Funding

It seeks to help public housing authorities, multifamily owners and operators, and tribes determine how to spend federal broadband money to close the digital divide.

  • By Molly Bolan

Broadband Equity Means Access and Adoption, Not Just Infrastructure Rollouts

Governments should not just install new infrastructure but ensure residents can take advantage of the access, experts say.

  • By Chris Teale

Broadband equity means access and adoption, not just infrastructure rollouts

Governments should not just install new infrastructure but ensure residents can take advantage of the access, experts say.

  • By Chris Teale

‘Whole Nation’ Effort Needed to Build Broadband Workforce

Federal investment could mean the creation of up to 150,000 broadband-related jobs, but state and local leaders must build robust apprenticeship programs and commit to diversity to make it happen.

  • By Chris Teale

‘Whole nation’ effort needed to build broadband workforce

Federal investment could mean the creation of up to 150,000 broadband-related jobs, but state and local leaders must build robust apprenticeship programs and commit to diversity to make it happen.

  • By Chris Teale
Featured eBooks
The State of Trust in Government
Cybersecurity in State and Local Government
Building Data Literacy in the State and Local Workforce

More Details Emerge on New York City Free Internet Pilot

Residents in Section 8 housing will be covered by a wireless mesh network under the program announced by Mayor Eric Adams.

  • By Chris Teale

More details emerge on NYC free internet pilot

Residents in Section 8 housing in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan will be covered by a wireless mesh network under the program announced by Mayor Eric Adams.

  • By Chris Teale

Tribal broadband grants need better metrics

More quantifiable performance goals would help the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program better track internet adoption, GAO said.

  • By Chris Teale

Railroad Tracks Can be an Obstacle for High-Speed Internet Buildouts

State lawmakers are looking at the issue. Virginia’s Legislature wants to cap fees and streamline reviews for fiber infrastructure that crosses rail rights-of-way. Railroads say existing procedures are important for safety.

  • By Chris Teale

States look to speed fiber installation across railroad tracks

Virginia’s legislature wants to cap crossing fees and speed up the review process, but railroad companies say current practices protect safety.

  • By Chris Teale

Broadband maps for Indian Country called ‘horrible,’ ‘egregious’ and ‘negligent’

Tribal advocates say the FCC’s maps are symbolic of wider, systemic issues, but help may be on the way via a new Virtual Tribal Broadband Office.

  • By Chris Teale

Broadband’s Rural Reach: How Electric Co-ops Reduce the Digital Divide

The Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Broadband Cooperatives plans to connect 200,000 rural residents via fiber within five years.

  • By Chris Teale

A Plan to Connect Public Housing Residents to Free Broadband

New York City's “Big Apple Connect” calls for more than 200 developments owned by the city’s housing authority to connect 300,000 residents to high-speed internet by the end of 2023.

  • By Chris Teale

Could Investments in Community Broadband Bridge the Digital Divide?

COMMENTARY | These locally owned and operated broadband networks can bring down prices, expand coverage and increase competition.

  • By Sophie Weng