Need your input on Vermont’s Digital Equity Plan
Now that Lamoille FiberNet and other CUDs are building out fiber network to ensure that all Vermonters will have access to high-speed internet, the State is developing an additional plan to ensure that all individuals and households have the ability and tools to participate in and benefit from the digital opportunities.
As part of this effort, the VCBB (Vermont Community Broadband Board) is gathering comments on their draft Digital Equity Plan.
Herryn Herzog, the VCBB’s Communications and Outreach Manager, said, “We’re hoping to get input from as many people as possible as we work to improve it [the plan] and add to it. There are many opportunities to give feedback, including a virtual listening session coming up Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 (link to join https://bit.ly/47A8nIR).”
The VCBB is also holding focus groups over the next couple weeks for each “covered population” from the Digital Equity Act. The schedule is:
- Monday, Dec. 4 at 6:00 pm — Vermonters who identify as people with disabilities and Vermonters who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, LateDeafened, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled. Virtual.
- Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 pm — Adult learners. Bradford Public Library, 21 South Main Street, Bradford.
- Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6:00 pm — Vermonters who identify as being in a low-income household. Virtual.
- Monday, Dec. 11 at 6:00 pm — Veterans. Location TBD.
- Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 pm — Rural and/or Vermonters who identify as being in a low-income household. Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street, Brattleboro.
- Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 11:30 am — Aging Vermonters (60+). Location TBD.
- Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 pm — Individuals with a language barrier, including those who are English learners or have low literacy levels. Virtual.
Sign-up is required for participation in the focus groups (but not the listening sessions). You can sign up with this form.
Or, people can also fill out the Request for Input, email the VCBB at vcbb.info@vermont.gov, or write to the VCBB, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620, or call them toll-free at (800) 622-4496.
The public comment period on Vermont’s draft Digital Equity Plan opens Friday, Dec. 1. It will be linked on the Digital Equity page of the VCBB’s website, Digital Equity | Department of Public Service (vermont.gov).
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors — and thank you for helping make Vermont’s Digital Equity Plan one that will work for all Vermonters.
You can find more information about Lamoille FiberNet CUD at www.lamoillefiber.net.
Our Vision: Every home and business in our territory will be connected to fast, reliable internet service.
Our Mission: To prioritize access to unserved and underserved addresses to symmetrical, high speed, and affordable internet service — as soon as possible.
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