The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced April 11 it has accepted the Digital Equity plan for all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The plans were created under the Digital Equity Act, which provides $2.75 billion nationally to establish three grant programs that aim to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology and capacity needed to experience the full benefits of internet access. Using more than $700,000 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Iowa created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state, according to a news release. On March 29, states were notified of the amount they are eligible to apply for in grant funding; Iowa is eligible for $8.4 million. In the coming months, NTIA will launch the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which will make funds available to a variety of entities, including nonprofits, local educational agencies and workforce development organizations.
