The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is requesting comments regarding upcoming programs resulting from the Digital Equity Act of 2021.  Specifically, they are seeking comments from the public to help inform the Notice of Funding Opportunity for both the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, as well as implementation of those programs.  

The combined goal of these programs is to promote the adoption and meaningful use of the internet across the Covered Populations which include (1) individuals who live in low-income households, (2) aging individuals, (3) incarcerated individuals, other than individuals who are incarcerated in a Federal correctional facility, (4) veterans, (5) individuals with disabilities, (6) individuals with a language barrier, including individuals who are English learners and have low levels of literacy, (7) racial and ethnic minorities, and (8) rural inhabitants.  They are particularly interested in comments regarding lived experiences from these populations. 

You can read more about the request for comments as well as the questions by clicking here.  Note: Not all of the questions need to be answered – comments may be submitted regarding any one or more of the questions.

NTIA has also prepared a resource to help facilitate these comments, that you can view by clicking here. This resource also includes information on hosting a moderated listening session to generate stakeholder comments.  

This request for comments closes on 5/1/23 at 5:00pm.  Questions can be directed to digitalequity@ntia.gov.