Census Bureau Releases Digital Equity Act Population Viewer
 MAY 13, 2022 — The U.S. Census Bureau today announced the release of the Digital Equity Act Population Viewer, an interactive collection of maps that highlight various demographics and broadband internet availability and adoption by state. The maps help policymakers plan and implement digital inclusion and equity programs under the Digital Equity Act of 2021.
The Digital Equity Act of 2021 was established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Sections 60301-60307) with the goal of promoting meaningful adoption and use of broadband services across the “covered populations” in the Act, including low-income households, aging populations, incarcerated individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, individuals with a language barrier, racial and ethnic minorities and rural inhabitants.
 Who in the United States has internet access, suitable devices and digital skills — and who doesn’t — is at the heart of digital equity.
In response to the Digital Equity Act of 2021, the Census Bureau today released its Digital Equity Act Population Viewer, an interactive map that shows broadband availability and use alongside demographics in every state.
The map shows the number of people who are members of the “covered populations” in the United States as defined by the Digital Equity Act, as well as the percentage of the population that lives in places where fixed broadband is unavailable, lives in households that lack a computer or broadband, and the percentage not using the internet, a PC or tablet.
This map and the underlying data are the product of a collaboration between the Census Bureau and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The Census Bureau is working with NTIA to bridge the digital divide by providing federal data to inform the funding of programs to promote digital equity. Continue reading...
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