The State of Vermont seeks to ensure every individual in Vermont—regardless of identity, community, or economic challenges—has high-quality, accessible, affordable technology resources. How we'll do that:
- Research to understand the need
- Grants to organizations serving covered populations
- Devices for people who need them
- Digital Navigator Program to teach digital skills
- Maximize digital opportunity through workforce training
Kicking Off the Implementation of Vermont's DE Plan
Vermont's Digital Empowerment Plan is underway! You can watch the recording of our kickoff meeting held January 15. View the presentation given at the meeting. And save the date for our next quarterly meeting - Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 2:00-3:30. Everyone is welcome!
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.
How to Comment on the DE Plan:
We are always working to make Vermont's DE 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 empowerment, 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.
Anyone in need of accessibility accommodations to read the DE 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