Vermont's Digital Equity Plan
Vermont's Digital Equity Plan Summary Translations:
• Watch ASL Video Summary of Vermont's Digital Equity Plan.
Kirundi, Dari (دری), Pashto (پښتو), Swahili (Kiswahili), Bosnian (Bosanski), Ukrainian, Somali (Soomaali), French (Français), Arabic (العربية), Burmese (မြန်မာစာ), Nepali (नेपाली), Spanish (Español), Simplified Chinese (中文), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
“This is Vermont’s opportunity to build out broadband and do it right, and we want to hear from you. We are asking for your input and ideas on how we can ensure digital equity for all Vermonters, so our investments benefit everyone in our state,” said Governor Phil Scott.
Vermont's $5.3 Million Digital Equity Capacity Grant Approved
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Vermont's $5.3 million Capacity Grant to implement its Digital Equity Plan. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Vermont will use this funding to implement its Digital Equity Plan, which outlines how the state will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
Read the full press release.
National Digital Equity Competitive Program
Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) encouraged organizations in Vermont to apply for the Digital Equity Competitive Program to fund programs that ensure communities have the access to devices and the skills needed to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity, a variety of organizations could apply to Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on a competitive basis for funding. Applications are now closed.
VCBB is committed to supporting and endorsing an open and fair state of inclusion in promoting Digital Equity in Vermont. We recognize the value, importance and dedication of all people and seek to provide an open platform for all our partners toward the common goal - bridging the digital gap for all.
Contact us with any questions or concerns. The Digital Equity Officer, Britaney Watson, is available to answer questions about Vermont's Digital Equity Plan and implementation. You can email your comments to Britaney.Watson@vermont.gov, write to us at VCBB, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620, or call us (800) 622-4496. You can also schedule time to talk.
How to Comment on the Digital Equity Plan:
We are always working to make Vermont's Digital Equity Plan better. If you would like to share your experience with internet access, the digital divide, and/or have ideas about how to ensure digital equity, you can email your comments to vcbb.info@vermont.gov, write to us at VCBB, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620, or call us (800) 622-4496. You can also schedule time to talk to our Digital Equity Officer Britaney Watson.
Digital equity is defined as a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.
Anyone in need of accessibility accommodations to read the Digital Equity Plan or provide comments should contact Britaney Watson at (802) 522-8426 or Britaney.Watson@Vermont.gov.
Review a Summary of Public Comments on Vermont's Digital Equity Plan.
*Covered Populations identified by the Digital Equity Act include:
- Aging people
- Incarcerated people
- Veterans
- People with disabilities
- Members of a racial or ethnic minority group
- Rural residents
- People with a language barrier, including those who are English learners or have low literacy levels
- People living in households with incomes not more than 150 percent of the poverty level