Plus, federal legislation supporting rural Internet access gets introduced, Utah’s legislature will consider a law establishing digital literacy education, Texas is investing millions in broadband expansion, and more.
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below:
- 58 Trailblazing Governments
- New Legislation for Internet Access
- Utah Digital Literacy Law
- Texas Invests $29M for Broadband
- Internet Safety Task Force
58 TRAILBLAZING GOVERNMENTS
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) announced its 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, recognizing 58 local governments for their work to bridge digital inequities last year.
The initiative started in 2016, when it recognized seven governments. This year, the “trailblazers” represent 25 states. The city of Charlotte, N.C., received recognition for the first time this year. Others include Austin, Texas; Bloomington, Ind.; Cook County, Ill.; Portland, Ore.; and New York City.
Naming the governments is a way for the organization to recognize excellent work in digital inclusion. In addition to revealing the governments on this year’s list, NDIA also created a free resource inventory compiling the nearly 900 related materials that entities submitted this year. The inventory includes digital inclusion program information, job descriptions, advocacy materials and digital equity plans.
NDIA also unveiled its 2025 awardees from the Seven Star Communities program.
The awardees are the Alliance for Navajo Broadband, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Gila River Indian Community, Gila River Telecommunications Inc., Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District, Jemez Pueblo Tribal Network, Mohawk Networks LLC andSṕq́ńiʔ Broadband Services.
The Seven Star Communities program launched in 2024 through a partnership between NDIA and AMERIND Critical Infrastructure, a tribally owned company. Materials shared by this year’s awardees will be available on the program webpage.
For details, visit here: https://www.govtech.com/network/whats-new-in-digital-equity-58-trailblazing-governments