State Plans Show Us the Cost of Eliminating the Digital Equity Act
Friday, May 30, 2025 Weekly Digest You’re reading the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society’s Weekly Digest, a recap of the biggest (or most overlooked) broadband stories of the week.
DOGE cuts $13.7 million ‘digital equity’ grant to ADECA
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut a $13,702,566 federal grant to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) in May. According to doge.gov, the grant to ADECA
The Digital Equity Act tried to close the digital divide. Trump acts to end it
Whether Trump has the legal authority to end the program remains unknown. But for now the Republican administration can simply stop spending the money. PORTLAND, Ore. — One program distributes
Maine Lawmakers: Reverse Digital Equity Cancellations
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2025 – Maine lawmakers urged the Commerce Department Wednesday to reverse its cancellation of digital equity grants. “Terminating these funds will increase the difficulties for individuals and
Oregon Broadband Equity Coalition marks a year of closing the digital divide
CORVALLIS, Ore. — In a state where digital connectivity is increasingly essential, the Oregon Broadband Equity Coalition (OBEC) has spent the past year making significant strides working with community leaders
Maine lawmakers urge Trump admin to unfreeze ‘essential’ Digital Equity Act funds
Maine lawmakers on Wednesday co-authored a letter urging the Commerce Department to unfreeze the $35 million in federal funds the state was set to receive through the Digital Equity Act.
2025 Charles Benton Digital Equity Champions Awards
Ibrahim Emara’s approach to digital inclusion is rooted in accessibility, cultural relevance, and strategic engagement. His digital inclusion efforts have directly impacted immigrants, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income students, ensuring
Kyla Williams Tate Recognized as a 2025 Digital Equity Champion
Today, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named Kyla Williams Tate, Digital Equity Director for Cook County Government, as a 2025 Digital Equity Champion. Named for Charles Benton, the founder
Angry Advocates Rally for Digital Equity
Net Inclusion 2025 Founder of National Digital Inclusion Alliance says the attack on the Digital Equity Act is ‘effing personal’ Screenshot of Angela Siefer, founder of the National Digital Inclusion
Trump Administration Terminates Federal Digital Equity Program, Halting $23.7 Million in Illinois Grants
Illinois officials and community leaders are voicing strong opposition after the Trump Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), abruptly terminated the Digital Equity