Digital Access for all Idahoans Plan Logo
Ensuring Idahoans have access to information and communication technology vital for life in the 21st century.

Overview

In 2022, Governor Brad Little designated the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) as the lead agency to develop a collaborative Digital Access for All Idahoans Plan. Each state and territory is required to have a plan in place that addresses digital adoption by September 30, 2023 as part of the Digital Equity Act (DEA). This plan will dovetail with the Idaho Broadband Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) state plan that will soon be developed by the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board and the Idaho Department of Commerce.

We are working with over 100 Idaho state agencies, nonprofits, and other groups to identify the barriers to widespread broadband adoption. The state should receive $564,706 in funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help fund the planning process. Initial plans include hosting regional listening and planning convenings, conducting a telephone survey in English and Spanish to gather data on adoption barriers, facilitating city and county Broadband Action Teams, developing a collaborative vision statement, and setting measurable goals to accomplish during the next five years. In the second year, implementation funding will be made available from the NTIA to states with approved digital adoption plans.

Digital Access for All Idahoans Plan Draft

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is pleased to announce that the draft of the Digital Access for All Idahoans (DAAI) plan is ready to read.

The DAAI plan aims to ensure all Idahoans have essential access to information and communication technology in the 21st century.

The public comment period is closed. Comments on the plan were accepted August 8th through September 8th.

A revised plan will be available and posted in October.

Survey

Does your organization provide digital access resources for community members? Digital access resources include services that assist with the following:

  • Broadband access and affordability
  • Device access
  • Digital skills and technical support
  • Public devices and internet access
  • Digital inclusion funding
  • And more!

If so, join us in mapping Idaho’s digital access resources!

We are creating a guide to provide information on known resources throughout Idaho. The resources will be included in a public-facing directory and interactive map.

Click the button below to submit your entries.

Timeline

Digital Access: Connecting Idahoans to Their Communities

A convening at the Lewiston City Library was held Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 1:00-4:30pm PT to introduce the new statewide Digital Access for All Idahoans planning process. A recording of the session is available here and the collection of resources shared during the session is available here.

Internet for All: Idaho Local Coordination Workshop

Idaho Department of Commerce, Idaho Commission for Libraries, Association of Idaho Cities, Idaho Association of Counties, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) welcomed nearly 200 in-person and virtual attendees at the November 15-16, 2022 Internet for All: Idaho Local Coordination Workshop. The event kicked off with keynotes from Governor Brad Little and Rep. John Vander Woude, Chair of the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board. Panels on broadband infrastructure development, telehealth, digital access challenges and solutions, and workforce strategies were featured. The second day provided an opportunity to provide input on the five-year Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) plan and the DAAI plan.

A recording of the first day is available. The following slides are also available separately:

Readying Idaho's Rural Communities to Capture the Benefits of Digitalization

The University of Idaho Extension’s Digital Economy Program, in partnership with the Idaho Commission for Libraries and Idaho Commerce’s State Office of Broadband, hosted two workshops in April and June. Thank you to everyone who made the events a success. Event materials are available:

For more information on forming local broadband action teams, contact UI Extension’s Digital Economy Program at dep@uidaho.edu to request assistance from DEP staff in facilitating an organizing meeting or helping your current action team explore the five elements of digital inclusion.

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Empowering Idahoans to Thrive Online

Wednesday, October 4 at 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. MST – Twin Falls

Idaho has a new plan for ensuring Idahoans have the digital skills, devices, tech help, and other resources to help them thrive online. Funds to implement the plan will start to be distributed in 2024.

What does that mean for your library or organization? How can you better equip those in your community who may need the most help? Hear from your peers, partners, and staff from the ICfL about what’s working now and ways to position your community to help bridge the digital divide.

Mileage or airfare reimbursement for those traveling more than 50 miles away will be available.

Select ICfL Digital Inclusion Preconference and use registration code THANKSICFL.

Register now

Upcoming Events

Digital Access for All Idahoans: Community Coalition Call

November 9, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm MST

Resources

Digital Equity Act Programs

An overview of the federal Digital Equity Act Programs facilitating the development and implementation of statewide plans and projects for the next five years.

ICfL’s Digital Inclusion Resources

The ICfL provides an overview of digital inclusion and related resources via a dedicated webpage.

Idaho Digital Access Workbook

This workbook is intended to help communities throughout Idaho form action groups to start investigating and defining their local community needs related to digital inclusion.

IdahoDigitalSkills.org

Idaho Digital Skills offers Idahoans free access to online learning tools to increase their digital skills.

Email us your comments, questions, and suggestions at digitalskills@libraries.idaho.gov

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Dylan Baker

Dylan Baker

Deputy State Librarian
Email / 208-639-4167
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