BPD Office submits CNMI Draft Digital Equity Plan to NTIA
On its way to cultivating digital equity and inclusivity within the CNMI, the Broadband Policy and Development Office, established through the CNMI Office of the Governor, has written and submitted their Draft Digital Equity Plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The BPD Office officially submitted the plan on Jan. 30, 2024, detailing comprehensive strategies to promote digital equity and support digital inclusion activities within the CNMI.
To further ensure digital inclusivity, the Draft Digital Equity Plan addresses and prioritizes digital disparities faced by eight covered populations, as defined by the NTIA, which are “identity groups and communities disproportionately impacted by digital inequity.” These eight covered populations include: low-income households, aging populations, incarcerated individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, people with language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, and rural inhabitants.
The submitted Draft Digital Equity Plan is currently under review by federal program officers, to be followed by a 30-day public comment period. The BPD Office highly encourages community input and feedback during this period as it is crucial for making any revisions that will allow for further digital inclusion throughout the CNMI.
The BPD Office will also dive deeper into the Draft Digital Equity Plan and facilitate an open discussion with the community through a town hall meeting that will kick-off the 30-day public comment period. This town hall meeting will not only discuss the plan but also allow for the public to get firsthand insights into The BPD Office’s current updates with the Digital Equity Program.
The BPD Office also conducts a biweekly virtual meeting every other Friday at 3pm, ensuring all stakeholders are updated with The BPD Office’s updates and developments. The meeting link can be accessed on the BPD website. The public is highly encouraged to join if interested. (PR)
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