Author/Source: BEAD: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, a government program to expand internet access. NTIA: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the government agency running the BEAD program. Digital equity: Making sure everyone has the same opportunities to use technology. Digital inclusion: Activities that make digital equity happen. Non-deployment: Things other than laying fiber optic cables, like training and affordability programs. See the full link here
Takeaway
This article talks about why money for things other than building internet infrastructure is important for the BEAD program to succeed. It encourages people to tell NTIA that these “non-deployment” funds are needed to help people actually use the internet once it’s available.
Technical Subject Understandability
Beginner
Analogy/Comparison
Building internet infrastructure is like building a road. But without cars, drivers, or directions, the road won’t get you anywhere. Non-deployment funds help provide the “cars and drivers” for the internet road.
Why It Matters
If people can’t afford internet service or don’t know how to use computers, new internet infrastructure won’t help them. For example, a senior citizen in rural Arkansas might not be able to use telehealth services even if high-speed internet is available if they don’t have a computer or know how to video call a doctor.
Related Terms
BEAD, NTIA, digital equity, digital inclusion, non-deployment
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