The Independence County Broadband Committee (ICBC) is urging Independence County residents to take advantage of the opportunity to provide public comments on the Arkansas Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan (DSO).
The Digital Equity Act (DEA), initiated by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), introduced three grant programs with the goal of ensuring that all individuals and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity necessary to fully benefit from the digital economy. These programs include the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, and the State Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.
To access these funds, the Arkansas State Broadband Office (ARConnect) has developed the DSO plan, outlining the state’s vision for empowering Arkansans with the skills, technology, and capacity needed for success in the 21st-century digital economy.
The ICBC encourages all broadband stakeholders, including elected officials, nonprofits, business owners, and residents, to participate in the public review and comment process. The draft proposal and a public comment form can be accessed on the ARConnect website at broadband.arkansas.gov.
“The Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan is a critical framework that will shape the future of digital inclusion in Arkansas,” said Hal Vandiver of the ICBC. “We invite the residents of Independence County to share their insights and feedback, ensuring that our community’s unique needs are considered as part of this statewide initiative.”
The public comment period will remain open until Jan. 25, 2024. All input received will be carefully reviewed by ARConnect as they work towards finalizing the DSO plan.
For more information about the Arkansas Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan or the public comment process, please visit broadband.arkansas.gov or contact Hal Vandiver at hvandiver@gmail.com or Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery.
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