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
Latest News
VCBB received notice that Vermont's $5.3 million Digital Equity Capacity Grant has been canceled as of May 9, 2025. The letter from the National Institute of Standards and Technology states that "as the President determined and as Secretary Lutnick agreed, the Digital Equity Capacity Program, 47 U.S.C. § 1723, is unconstitutional and grants issued pursuant to it were created with, and administered using, impermissible and unconstitutional racial preferences." VCBB is in contact with the State Attorney General's Office and is exploring legal options.
VCBB remains committed to our digital empowerment work and ensuring that all Vermonters have access to high-quality, accessible, affordable technology resources and the skills to use the internet effectively and safely.
What it means to Vermonters:
“Vermont’s DE Program was going to improve the lives of Vermonters who can’t access the internet—whether because they can’t afford devices or don’t have the skills to take advantage of all the opportunities that come with being connected. This is out of reach for many people in the state. Taking this funding away now will severely limit our work and will mean many Vermonters will be left behind, unfortunately the most vulnerable.”
Christine Hallquist, Executive Director, VCBB
Workers who need to apply for jobs online.
“The broadband build-out, and the wrap-around digital workforce development efforts that were to be funded via this grant, have the potential to revolutionize healthcare, precision agriculture, remote learning, energy, public safety, and infrastructure monitoring. Without targeted investments in digital access and literacy, many Vermonters will be unable to access the resources necessary for job training, career advancement, and economic mobility, ultimately deepening existing disparities and limiting opportunities for economic growth.”
Britaney Watson, Digital Equity Officer, VCBB
Parents who need internet access for their children’s education.
"Every day, Vermont librarians witness the urgent need for funding and support to bridge the digital divide. True digital equity means more than just access to quality internet—it requires the equipment, education, and support to use it effectively. Losing the Digital Equity Program would have far-reaching impacts across our state, affecting job opportunities, educational advancement, access to healthcare, and, most importantly, the ability to engage in our government—a fundamental pillar of a thriving democracy."
Mary Danko, President, Vermont Library Association
Local businesses and farmers that depend on technology to stay competitive.
Veterans, seniors, and families are falling victim to scams that cost them thousands of dollars due to a lack of resources and training to safeguard themselves.
“Telehealth has increased access to high-quality medical care in Vermont. Access to broadband, the devices necessary to access telehealth, and the digital skills required to effectively use the technology are essential in addressing the unique health needs of the 93% of Vermonters who are considered rural, as well as the 28% who are considered aging. Those numbers are well above the national averages “The cancellation of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant funding will limit access to quality care for the Vermonters who need it most and stands to contribute to worse health outcomes for our patients.”
Roz King, MSN, RN, CNL, Chief, Division of Research, Emergency Medicine at University of Vermont Health Network
Digital Empowerment Quarterly Meeting
Vermont's Digital Empowerment Plan is underway! Our last DE Quarterly Meeting was held on April 16, 2025. It was a chance to hear an update on our work and ask questions. If you missed the meeting, you can watch a recording and review the presentation given at the meeting. Please reach out with any questions Britaney.Watson@Vermont.gov.
Listening Sessions
Your opportunity to tell us what you need to be able to use the internet. We want to hear about problems, successes, and work that's happening to help. Join us monthly. The next one is Wednesday, May 28 6:30-7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!
Link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84497187060?pwd=PFNx1P7CVahOOlf2P1z7IzH9EwBGfE.1
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
This project is funded by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.
VCBB General Counsel has reviewed Executive Order 14148 and Vermont’s DE Plan and Program. It was determined that the plan and work happening in Vermont do not conflict with the Executive Order.