The State of Iowa's Digital Equity Plan is now available. The Digital Equity Plan outlines the results of extensive research and outreach efforts to set baseline conditions and goals for addressing digital equity opportunities in Iowa. Funding used to develop the plan is administered by the National Telecommunications and Infrastructure Administration (NTIA). The Digital Equity Plan will be used to apply for future grant funds from NTIA. View the State of Iowa Digital Equity Plan.
Digital Equity Plan - Purpose
The implementation of Iowa's Digital Equity Plan will make significant strides in closing the digital divide and setting up a sustainable infrastructure to address digital equity issues into the future. Digital Equity impacts every community in the state, making it an issue that requires cooperation, creativity, and coalition building. This work will require new approaches to solve existing and emerging problems, which will create new partnerships to remove barriers for Iowans to fully participate, contribute, and thrive in society.
DES MOINES- Thank you to the hundreds of Iowans who came out for The Office of the Department of Management, Division of Information Technology (DoIT) Digital Services Outreach Meetings this spring throughout the state. The meetings gave all Iowans an opportunity to express their concerns and ideas for changes in regards to broadband accessibility and affordability.
Some of the early takeaways from the meetings have already come to light. Notably, many Iowans are motivated to understand how they can get better access to high speed internet. The affordability of high speed internet access and digital devices was a concern in both urban and rural locations. Awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program needs to improve so more eligible Iowans can take advantage. Also, the need for digital skills training cuts across all demographics and age groups.
For those unable to attend the meetings, the DOM DoIT produced a video friendly format of the presentation, which can be found at the following link: https://youtu.be/Ddh2BFORPbc. Included in the video description is a Google form identical to the one meeting attendees filled out to express their digital needs and wants. The public is welcome to fill out the form and submit it to the Department of Management, Division of Information Technology.
DES MOINES- The Department of Management, Division of Information Technology (DoIT) is excited to announce more than 50 public town hall style meetings to get feedback from everyday Iowans on digital services, including broadband, in their area. We want to hear from Iowans of all walks of life on how they use the internet and digital services in general. If you ever felt like the digital world is passing you by, for whatever reason, this is your chance to speak up and help Iowa identify ways to help you and your community.
Attendees will hear a short presentation on digital services followed by a discussion with the audience on the barriers and potential solutions for full participation in the digital aspects of society. All meetings will start at 6 pm at the designated locations and are anticipated to last about 90 minutes.
For more information, please contact broadband@iowa.gov. Not able to attend a community meeting?
If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Maria Guevara at maria.guevara@iowa.gov by no later than at least 7 days before the event you will attend.
