Comments sought for CNMI Digital Equity Five-Year Workplan

The CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office, established under the CNMI Office of the Governor, is excited to unveil its Digital Equity Five-Year Workplan to the public. This comprehensive plan, initially submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, aims to promote digital equity and support digital inclusion across the CNMI.

As part of its commitment to transparency and community involvement, the BPD Office invites all residents to review and provide feedback on the Digital Equity Five-Year Workplan. A 30-day public comment period will begin on March 6, 2024, and end on April 6, 2024, 4:30pm ChSt, allowing ample time for community input. The BPD Office highly encourages the public to provide comments and feedback, emphasizing that all submissions undergo thorough review and may contribute to enhancing the Digital Equity Five-Year Workplan to better align with the needs of CNMI residents.

When asked about digital equity and its importance, De Faustina Camacho, BPD’s Digital Equity Outreach specialist, stated, “When digital equity comes in, it opens the doors to our people, and allows us to be connected to opportunities that may seem out of our reach.” She further emphasized that the unveiling of the plan is another step that will bring us closer to bridging the digital divide within the CNMI.

The Digital Equity Five-Year Workplan addresses the unique challenges faced by various populations, including low-income households, aging individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities, among others. Strategies outlined in the plan encompass expanding device distribution, providing digital literacy training, and fostering partnerships with community organizations.

The BPD Office encourages everyone to participate in this important process. To view the workplan and submit comments, visit their website at bpd.cnmi.gov or email them directly at cnmi.bpd@gmail.com. Additionally, bi-weekly virtual meetings are held every other Friday at 3pm to provide updates on their progress within the Digital Equity Program. To access the bi-weekly virtual meetings, visit the link on their website bpd.cnmi.gov or contact them at cnmi.bpd@gmail.com. (PR)