How We Capitalize on Investment to Make a Dent in the Digital Divide

May 24 – 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm

Moderator

Paolo Balboa

NDIA: Senior Programs and Data Manager

The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on glaring inequalities in the American social safety net in a variety of sectors, such as healthcare and housing, and also critically in the digital divide. The pandemic affected the country in ways big and small, but it hit underserved communities the hardest.

The passing of the Infrastructure Act last fall included funds for programs focused around digital equity such as the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides eligible households with opportunities for affordable home Internet and a one-time device purchase.

This program builds upon existing low-cost offers provided by some Internet Service Providers.

This panel discussion will bring together local and national experts from the field of digital inclusion to describe public and private programs that address affordable access to home Internet.

Participants in this session will learn from panelists about best practices, victories, and obstacles around how they work with communities to get signed up for these services.