DENVER - The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Colorado’s Digital Access Plan and an initial $12 million from NTIA’s State Digital Equity Capacity Grant. This is a transformative opportunity to bridge the digital divide in Colorado by making internet access affordable, providing devices and offering essential digital skills training to empower Coloradans for a brighter, more connected future. The plan was written by the Office of the Future of Work (OFW) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI) and the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) within the Governor’s Office of Information Technology.
“As a long-time health care advocate, I know that internet and digital devices, such as computers, are important tools when it comes to staying in touch with medical providers, refilling prescriptions, paying bills, or just managing day-to-day life,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. “Through the implementation of Colorado’s Digital Access Plan, we hope to address health and financial disparities, while equipping Coloradans with the tools they need to stay safe online, ensuring that all Coloradans have access to high quality and affordable care.”
“We understand that access to technology and the internet is crucial,” said Katherine Keegan, Director, OFW. “The Digital Access Plan has been designed to ensure that every Coloradan has access to a computer, a strong internet connection, and the necessary skills to navigate the digital world.”
Highlights of Colorado’s Digital Access Plan:
- Create local Digital Inclusion Coalitions composed of officials, residents, and community organizations to identify technology programs and funding specific to their community.
- Create a network of device refurbishers, technical support, and recycling
- Promote resources to make home internet subscriptions more affordable
- Engage in work to improve accessibility of state websites and services
OFW and OeHI worked with over 15,000 Coloradans through surveys and listening sessions and invested more than half a million dollars into Colorado community organizations and companies to shape Colorado's first Digital Access Plan.
With the passage of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the NTIA requires every state to develop a Digital Equity Plan. Future capacity grant opportunities are anticipated from NTIA in the coming years.
Learn more about the state’s digital equity initiatives on the OFW website.