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District of Columbia Digital Equity Coalition Announces Principles for Allocation of $100 Million in Funding to Ensure Access to High-Speed Internet for All District Residents

Nine principles will provide a guide to ensure all District residents have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet

Washington, D.C. – Today, the DC Digital Equity Coalition (DC DEC) announced the development of a set of nine guiding principles to ensure the equitable distribution of resources from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program for all District residents. The funding, which was included in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $100,694,786.93 in grants to deploy affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service to everyone in the District, particularly those most impacted by the digital divide.

“The guiding principles developed by DC DEC are a critical step towards fulfilling our mission of achieving digital equity for all DC residents,” Joe Paul, CEO of Byte Back and leader of DC DEC, stated. “Our coalition is committed to working with the DC Government to ensure that everyone in the District has access to the internet, appropriate technology devices, and digital literacy training necessary to thrive in today’s world.”

Formed in early 2023, DC DEC is composed of nonprofits, foundations, ISPs, small business owners, and the DC Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to advocate for equitable access to affordable high-speed internet, free and low-cost devices, and free digital literacy skills training for all DC residents.

The member organizations of DC DEC include: AARP DC, UPO, Goodwill of Greater Washington, United Way National Capital Area, Capital Club House, Urban Alliance, Byte Back, DC Public Library, Washington Leadership Academy, Jubilee Jobs, Greater Washington Partnership, Pathways DC, CNHED, Carlos Rosario, Net Rising, Verizon, Comcast, Wild Tech, The Washington Home, On Ramps to Careers, YMCA DC, Serve Your City, Crown Castle, Easter Seal, Samaritan Ministry, Reentry Network, NDIA, and the Latino Economic Development Center.

The DC DEC has developed guiding principles to guide the District of Columbia Government Office of the Chief Technology Officer (DC OCTO) in developing and implementing its Digital Equity Plan. This collaborative plan will be community-informed and will ensure all DC residents have access to the necessary resources to succeed in today’s digital world.

District of Columbia Digital Equity Coalition (DC DEC) Guiding Principles

I.                 ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY Every individual and family in DC must have access to reliable, affordable, or no-cost broadband internet service, training, technical support as well as appropriate technology devices to leverage that access.

II.               ACCESSIBILITY Technologies and services must be designed to accommodate users with different abilities, and those with disabilities.

III.             ADOPTION, EDUCATION, & TRAINING DC residents must have the skills and knowledge necessary to use digital tools and services. Digital education and training programs should be available to teach digital literacy, digital skills, and tools to those who may have limited exposure to them.

IV.            COLLABORATION & SUSTAINABILITY DC Government agencies, public and private sector partners must collaborate to achieve digital equity goals that are sustainable and ongoing to include a plan for funding and support and continuance beyond the initial implementation of the digital equity plan.

V.              COMMUNITY-FOCUSED The development, approval, and implementation of the digital equity plan must actively involve DC community members. Their inputs and insights are crucial to ensuring that the solutions provided are comprehensive and effective.

VI.            EQUITY-FOCUSED The District’s digital equity plan must have an equity-focused approach to address and overcome any existing inequalities in digital access and resources, especially in Wards most impacted by the digital divide.

VII.          RELEVANCE & INCLUSIVITY Ensure digital resources, content, and services available to DC residents are relevant, inclusive, and meaningful to the diverse needs and interests of the individuals and communities being served.

VIII.        RESEARCH, EVALUATION, & MEASUREMENT Digital equity efforts must be regularly researched and evaluated by a volunteer-led committee to determine the effectiveness of the digital equity plan, track progress, and identify areas for improvement toward achieving SMART goals.

IX.            TRAINING & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Ensure DC residents have access to relevant workforce development training with applicable hard and soft skills designed to help them be more marketable for the future of work. This training must be broadly dispersed and available leveraging libraries, community centers, and community-based organizations.

For more information and media inquiries about the DC Digital Equity Coalition, its mission, and its guiding principles, please contact, 

Mikael LaRoche,

Head of Brand, Marketing, & Communication

Byte Back

Phone: 202.525.3150

Email: gro.kcabetyb@ehcoralm