Speaking out for Digital Inclusion at Net Inclusion Conference 2024

Access to high-speed internet is a necessity, yet not everyone has equal access to the digital world. This week, over 1300 energized and engaged practitioners, policy makers, academics and activists came together at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)’s annual Net Inclusion Conference in Philadelphia, PA. The conference brings together experts from the broadband and technology industry, along with national, state, and local digital equity leaders to share ideas, best practices and to champion the fight for digital inclusion. 

GFiber has been an active participant in this conference since early days. NDIA supports community programs and engages with policymakers on key issues around digital equity, which mirrors our efforts in each of the cities we serve.

GFiber’s Policy and Government and Community Affairs teams, represented by Ariane Schaffer (NY), Ryun Jackson (TN), John-Michael Cortez (TX), were on site in Philly, taking part in the broader conversation on the many issues that influence digital equity in our country. Additionally, Ariane shared her expertise on a panel centered around protecting broadband consumers with a strong focus on ensuring customers can understand what their internet service includes. It’s a top priority for us, which is why we launched Consumer Broadband Nutrition Labels even before the FCC’s deadline. 

The growth in attendance of the conference was very visible this year. A diverse number of people were in-house from across all 50 states and several US territories. This diversity was also reflected in the jammed packed conference sessions, where various interesting discussions took place- such as one led by National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD ), which brought to the forefront the aspect of digital equity and inclusion and what that looks like for the developmental disabilities community.

But the most pressing topic of conversation in Philadelphia (and for those of us working towards digital equity across the country) is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is due to run out of funding in April this year.  

ACP is the largest internet affordability program in our nation’s history and is already helping over 23 million households across the country save up to $30 each per month on their monthly internet bills, and up to $75 for tribal households. It has been highly successful in helping families afford the internet they need to get and stay online, allowing them to connect to key opportunities in education, employment, healthcare and community empowerment. You can help protect this vital program. Email or call your representatives in Congress to ask them to please provide more funding for the ACP program by supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024. You can visit USA.gov/elected-officials to find your representatives in Congress.

The Net Inclusion Conference underscored the importance of internet access, adoption, education and application; key elements of digital inclusion. Digital equity remains a persistent challenge, and it will take a cross-sector approach to solve it. We will continue to collaborate and build partnerships with the government and various organizations- supporting the work for digital equality and a better connected world.

Posted By,