OCTO launched a plan to close the gap on DC’s Digital Divide through equitable access to broadband internet
About 20% of DC’s population is unable to access internet at home. This problem was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, when most residents worked or learned remotely
OCTO was tasked to launch a plan to close this digital divide by leveraging federal BEAD funds and outlined a vision for a high-impact approach toward equitable access to the internet for all DC residents
How OCTO delivered:
- Launched the DC State Broadband and Digital Equity Office with $300K in federal funds to boost digital equity and access to affordable internet service
- Built on the momentum from “Tech Together” and launched OCTO’s Next Generation urban internet Access Challenge and Pilot plan, designed to improve access to broadband internet
- Collaborated with ~90 non-profits, organizations, and entities to build support and gain perspectives on areas of greatest needs
Future priorities:
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Leverage potential federal funding opportunities to improve access to broadband internet across DC
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Create digital equity plan to improve collaboration with private and non-profit sector entities