(TNS) — A plan aimed at ensuring universal internet access and reducing the “digital divide” in Hawaii is currently undergoing federal review by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The plan would provide funding to states for projects focused on community programs and digital improvements. capital.
The 293-page Digital Equity Plan, developed by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Hawaii Broadband Digital Equity Office (HBDEO), outlines steps the state will take to provide information technology capabilities to all individuals and communities. It outlines possible goals and strategies. across the state to give them economic mobility and access to essential services.
Chung Chang, Strategic Broadband Coordinator at HBDEO, said he has witnessed the digital divide firsthand through the COVID-19 pandemic, when daily life shifted to virtual formats such as remote work and virtual learning.
Chan said her children, who were in high school at the time, were attending school remotely while working a hybrid telework schedule.
“My kids were lucky that each had their own computer and desk, and we had pretty decent broadband access, but they have stories of their peers who didn’t. ” he said. “We’re starting to hear about kids having to borrow devices and having to go to McDonald’s to access the internet.”
Mr Chan said the newly announced plan focuses on “targeted populations”. “Target population” is a term used to refer to populations facing digital disadvantage, such as people living in rural areas and low-income households, aging populations, and people with disabilities.
“We want to give these children and residents the same access that they normally have to participate in this digital world that we live in,” Chan said. Ta.
The Digital Equity Plan serves as a “navigation tool” for states to begin implementing community-specific programs. Different communities require different projects, such as kupuna who need basic access to email and internet browsing, and office workers who need internet access to work remotely.
“We’re going to work with the community to identify what they really need, help shape those programs and projects, and see if we can find ways to fund those projects.” “,” Chan said. “There will be a little bit of work done, like identifying and matching the right audiences and skills. Our goal is to help you identify that and develop a plan to address those needs.” That’s it.”
In this plan, Chan is prioritizing three “low-hanging fruit” over the next three to four years. These include providing digital equipment to those who need it, expanding the capabilities of telehealth services in rural areas, and working with hubs that already serve nearby areas. Extend digital services to your community as a food distribution center or social organization.
“Even if we can’t address[digital equity]individually, we can address it more broadly and at a community level,” he said. “These are three things he wants to happen within the next three to four years. They’re pretty aggressive, but I want to see these things happen. That’s my goal. .”
Created under legislation signed by Governor David Ige in 2021, HBDEO’s mission is to support the deployment of high-speed internet access in Hawaii and work toward digital equity across the state.
HBDEO began work on its digital equity plan in April 2023. After data collection and a public advocacy effort to gather input on expanding internet access to underserved communities, we released an initial draft of the plan in late September 2023. His more than 480 participants in 39 focus groups and 59 interviews across the state provided feedback on the first draft of the HBDEO.
“What this plan does is formalize and bring structure to what we’re doing,” Chan said. “This allows us to prioritize what we need to work on and really focus our work on identifying what communities across the state need.”
The development of this plan is part of a nationwide effort to implement a digital equity plan in every state and territory in the United States, with NTIA allocating federal funds to each state.
If approved, HBDEO would receive federal funding (approximately $13 million) around September, which would be used over the next five to seven years for projects outlined in the newly released plan. That will happen.
How exactly the funds will be allocated has yet to be determined, but Chan said some of the funds will go toward purchasing devices for targeted populations, as well as being implemented directly in various communities across the state. He said the money will also be used to pay for the actual program.
“I’m very excited. The team here is very excited about the work ahead,” said Chan. “This is the work we can do over the next five to seven years. Some of it is fundamental, some of it is innovative. It’s far-reaching and has a big impact on the community.”
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