Digital Equity


Statewide Digital Equity Plan – Opportunity for Public Comment

In Nevada, the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) is charged with developing and realizing a digital equity vision for the state. The Digital Equity Act, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), invites states to undertake a comprehensive planning process to establish a vision for digital equity that will guide overarching strategies and goals. Once submitted and approved by National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), this plan will unlock funding for OSIT to begin to implement the strategies and activities we describe in the plan.

    OSIT is pleased to present this draft of Nevada’s Statewide Digital Equity Plan for public comment. Digital Equity is an important part of the High Speed Nevada Initiative. This plan is the result of thousands of hours, miles, and conversations with Nevadans from all corners of the state.

      The Planning Process

      The digital equity planning process is an essential part of the High Speed Nevada Initiative and the State’s goal that every Nevadan has access to affordable, reliable and scalable Internet service.

        In October 2022, the State of Nevada received a $754,458 Digital Equity Planning Grant from the US Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which will be an essential part of the State's goal for the High Speed Nevada Initiative.

          What is Digital Equity?

          Digital equity is a term that refers to whether Nevadans can afford access to a fast, reliable home Internet service, have a connected device, and have the digital literacy needed to use the Internet to learn, earn and live well. Over the next six to nine months, OSIT will use the planning dollars to create a statewide digital equity plan. Once the plan is approved by the NTIA, the State will unlock additional funding to implement the plan.

            As a part of the statewide planning process, OSIT will work with communities across the state to assess digital equity needs and barriers, create an inventory of digital equity assets and partners, including existing resources and strategies that promote digital equity, and develop an implementation strategy in partnership with key stakeholders once additional funding is received.

              To kick off the planning process, OSIT has mapped a digital divide index that geographically measures the level of digital distress across the state. Based on a preliminary review of the data, the following are among the communities that are more likely to be digitally distressed that OSIT will seek to understand during its planning process:

                • low-income households
                • aging populations
                • veterans
                • rural residents
                • residents of multi-dwelling or multi-family housing
                • racial and ethnic minorities
                • individuals with language barriers
                • individuals with disabilities

                  Mapping Resources

                  Add Your Voice to the State Digital Equity Plan

                  If you are interested in adding your voice to the planning process, please provide your information here.

                    Contact

                    To find more infomation and get involved in the planning process, please email us at: highspeedNV@gov.nv.gov

                    High Speed NV Presentation: