Broadband & Digital Inclusion

Thank you to everyone who joined us on October 18th for the York Broadband Digital Equity Forum! We had an amazing turnout of nearly thirty representatives from area organizations in communities working to advance digital inclusion in our region.

 

As of early 2023, SMPDC has kicked off efforts to advance broadband expansion and digital inclusion throughout the greater York county region. Our organization is one of several Regional and Tribal Broadband Partners working with the Maine Connectivity Authority to create a stakeholder infrastructure for planning the increase and improvement of internet access in our project area. The project is made of us several pieces, all of which work together to accomplish the statewide broadband goals. 

This program is funded and guided by the Digital Equity Act of 2021. 

 

Digital Inclusion Plan & Implementation 

SMPDC has produced a Digital Equity Plan, supported by the input of the York Region Digital Inclusion Coalition, a group of regional stakeholders who have various ties to digital equity, disadvantages communities, or intersections of internet access with essential services, education, and the local economy. This plan provides input from the Coalition on the barriers to digital equity in the region, and make recommendations for future broadband investment in York County.  

 

What is digital equity & inclusion? 

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance definition of digital equity and inclusion includes: 

    • Affordable, robust broadband internet service 
    • Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user 
    • Access to digital literacy training (aka, one’s ability to operate an internet-enabled device and access essential services) 
    • Quality technical support 
    • Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration 

 

The Digital Equity Act defines specific “covered populations” which are of a particular focus for equity and inclusion due to the added barriers they face to accessing the internet. These populations include, but are not limited to:  

    • Individuals living in households with incomes at or below 150% of the poverty line 
    • Individuals 60 years of age or older 
    • Veterans 
    • Individuals living with one or more disabilities 
    • Individuals with barriers to the English language (including English language learners and those with low literacy) 
    • Members of racial and ethnic minority groups 
    • Individuals residing in rural areas 
    • Individuals incarcerated in a nonfederal correctional facility 

 

Broadband Planning and Community-Driven Infrastructure Solutions for Municipalities 

In addition to the Digital Equity Plan, SMPDC can facilitate conversations with municipalities, regional employers, and internet service providers to extend reliable, affordable internet access throughout York County.  

To learn about the Broadband service availability in your area, visit maineconnectivity.org or search for service providers by address at broadbandmap.fcc.gov.

More information on this phase of the project to come.