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Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Alaska Broadband Office
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30 Day Comment Period - November 10, 2023 |
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Digital Equity Plan - 30 Day Comment Period
November 9 - December 9, 2023
Too many communities in Alaska lack access to high-speed internet. Many more face affordability barriers. There is a stark divide between those who have internet access and those who don't. Digital equity means all have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet to access education, healthcare, employment, and participate in today’s economy. Starting November 9, 2023, and running through December 9, 2023, the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Alaska Broadband Office (ABO), is seeking public comment on the State of Alaska’s Digital Equity Plan.
The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion nationwide to establish grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. In advance of “Capacity Grant Awards” (managed by the State of Alaska ABO) the Rasmuson Foundation and their partners over the last year have collected and compiled data and drafted the initial State of Alaska Digital Equity Plan. Attached is that document with State of Alaska Departmental review.
The document outlines the inequities that exist in the state and develops Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are focused on reducing or eliminating digital inequity for eight covered populations identified in the Digital Equity Act.
Those populations are:
- Individuals with Disabilities
- Individuals with a Language Barrier
- Individuals who are Members of a Racial or Ethnic Minority
- Individuals who Reside in Rural Areas
- Aging Individuals
- Veterans
- Households at/or below 150% of the Poverty Level
- Incarcerated Individuals
The State of Alaska’s Digital Equity plan and comment form are linked below for public review and comment. All interested parties are invited to submit comments on the Plan using the linked comment form by December 9, 2023.
Alaska’s Digital Equity Public Feedback Form
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