Washington, D.C., announces $3.8M in digital equity funds

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Friday announced that the city’s Digital Equity Capacity grant application was approved and that its Office of the Chief Technology Officer received $3.8 million to bring more of its residents high-speed internet and digital education.

The funds, which were made available through the 2021 infrastructure bill, will help the district close the digital divide by providing low-income communities with access to reliable, high-speed internet service. Following the award, Washington’s State Broadband and Digital Equity Office will use the funds to kick start projects across the district, as outlined in its digital equity plan, targeting areas where residents have fewer digital resources, according to a news release.  

Washington’s announcement follows an NTIA announcement last April when it had approved digital equity plans for all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. These included plans to qualify for funding through three federal grant programs totaling $2.75 billion: the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.

The district’s digital equity plan includes the goals of developing technology partnerships across government, academia, community organizations and the tech industry. The plan is designed to bridge the digital divide in Washington through the Tech Together initiative; distribute low-cost or no-cost devices to residents, along with IT support; and provide comprehensive digital literacy training.

According to a press release, the technology office will share additional information about the funding opportunities available.

“The Digital Equity Capacity Grant represents a transformative opportunity for the residents of DC, enabling OCTO to make significant strides in closing the digital divide,” Washington Chief Technology Officer Stephen Miller said in the news release. “This initiative ensures that every DC resident has the chance to fully engage in the digital economy and thrive in the modern age without facing bias or barriers.”