Washington is listening to community ideas for ways to advance digital equity. Access to broadband services is essential and Washington residents are still struggling to get online. The state’s goal is to provide all residents access to high-speed broadband – 150 Megabits per second download and upload – by 2028. The Washington State Broadband Office and Washington State Office of Equity are partnering to support the Digital Equity Forum.
The Washington Digital Equity Forum is established to develop recommendations to advance digital connectivity in Washington state and advise the statewide broadband office on the digital equity opportunity program, as provided under RCW 43.330.412, and the digital equity planning grant program, as provided under RCW 43.330.5393.
What is Digital Equity?
Digital Equity is about ensuring fair and equal access to digital technologies, resources, and opportunities for all individuals and communities. It encompasses the interconnectedness of various factors such as access to internet connectivity, digital devices, digital literacy skills, and relevant digital content.
Digital equity acknowledges intersectionality, recognizing how factors such as race, gender, aging individuals, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, educational attainment, veterans, incarceration history, socioeconomic status, geography (rural, frontier, suburban, and urban areas), disabilities, languages, and other identities intersect to shape individuals’ experiences with technology access and use.
Digital equity emphasizes the profound impact that equitable access to digital resources can have on social and economic opportunities, as it enables individuals and communities to participate fully in the digital world, access essential services, pursue educational and employment opportunities, engage in civic life, and ultimately, enhance one’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Supporting information for the Digital Equity Forum
Additional resources
- Digital Equity Plan
- State Broadband Plans
- ACP Winding Down
- Low Earth Orbit Satellite Feasibility Report (PDF)
- Internet for All in Washington kickoff video (on YouTube)
- Internet for All in Washington kickoff presentation (PDF)
- Internet for All in Washington Kickoff Event Transcript English (Word)
- Internet for All in Washington Kickoff Event Transcript Spanish (Word)
- Inside Olympia interviews Director Mark Vasconi on Internet for All (on TVW.Org)