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.
OSIT wishes to encourage all Nevadans, including internet service providers, community anchor institutions, community-based organizations and non-profits, and governments to share their feedback with OSIT on this plan. Feedback will be accepted until October 20, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Feedback can be submitted online below or by mail.
- Via the online form posted here
- Mail written comments to:
Office of Science, Innovation and Technology
Attn: Statewide Digital Equity Plan
100 N. Stewart Street Suite 220
Carson City, NV 89701
Attend a Listening Session:
OSIT will host a series of virtual and in-person digital equity community listening sessions to solicit feedback on this plan. Sessions are free and open to the public. To register and view the most up-to-date information about locations and dates below:
*Please check back later.
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.