California unlocks $70M for digital equity efforts
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Friday approved California’s State Digital Equity Plan, unlocking $70.2 million in federal funding to make affordable internet service and digital literacy training more accessible to state residents.
The federal investment in closing the digital divide stems from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which provides federal funding to new infrastructure projects across the country.
“The approval of our State Digital Equity Plan marks a significant success in our commitment to ensuring that every person in our state has access to essential digital devices, affordable internet access, and the digital literacy skills needed to thrive in the 21st century,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in the announcement.
In August 2020, Newsom signed an executive order to improve digital connectivity across the state. He last year signed a bill directing the California Department of Technology to develop a state digital equity plan — a requirement to receive the federal funds — which drew input from residents, local governments and state agencies.
The state expects to receive its funding this year and plans distribute grants next year.
