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 Office of Equity and the Washington State Broadband Office are partnering to convene and co-chair a Digital Equity Forum.
The Digital Equity Forum was established to develop recommendations that advance digital connectivity across Washington State. The Forum’s goal is to address digital disparities and ensure equitable access to digital resources.
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.
What is the Digital Equity Forum?
The Digital Equity Forum was established to develop recommendations that advance digital connectivity across Washington State. The Forum’s goal is to address digital disparities and ensure equitable access to digital resources.
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)