Building Digital Equity in New Mexico Requires:
- Affordable, robust broadband internet service
- Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user
- Access to digital literacy training and digital skills development
- Quality technical support
- Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration, as well as cultural relevancy
Steps to Building Digital Equity:
Affordable Service and low-cost offers
Many areas have discount offer programs to offer discounted or low-cost internet plans for qualifying low-income households. They just are not well advertised or not advertised at all.
"A 2019 klahoma State University study found that only 20% of respondents said they were likely to purchase internet if it were $50 or more per month, while 74% indicated they would purchase it if it were $10 per month. "
Free Public Wi-Fi Access Locations
Many communities and vendors offer Wi-Fi access locations for public use.
Visit www.nmhotspots.com to find a nearby free public Wifi Access location.
Devices
Many households in New Mexico do not have access to a meaningful device.
For some New Mexicans, a smartphone is the only “computer” that they have,
and a smartphone or Chromebook are less efficient and less capable than a computer or tablet with a keyboard for completing homework or job applications, recording and analyzing data or any number of other tasks.
Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse
Digital Equity Mandate
"All citizens in New Mexico have access to the technologies, digital skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in today’s society."
Digital Equity Task Force
New Mexico is in the process of developing a group of community leaders and digital equity advocates to work collectively on digital inclusion initiatives and
includes state and local government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, schools, regional coalitions and individuals working to close the digital divide.
Homework Gap Team - Visit the New Mexico Homework Gap Team to learn more
The Homework Gap is the gulf that exists between students and families that have access to computers and the internet and those who don’t. It is part of the digital divide and can affect a student’s ability to:
The Homework Gap is the gulf that exists between students and families that have access to computers and the internet and those who don’t. It is part of the digital divide and can affect a student’s ability to:
- Complete homework
- Be academically successful
- Build the foundation for a successful career
- Take advantage of economic opportunities
Visit the New Mexico Homework Gap Team to learn more.
According to the national Pew Research Center
- 15% of households with school-aged children do not have high-speed internet access at home.
- 17% of teens say they have trouble completing their homework because of lack of internet access.
- The numbers are even higher when it comes to minorities and low-income families.
- One in every four low-income teens do not have access to a laptop or desktop computer at home.
Digital Equity and Legislation in New Mexico
Digital Equity Act of 2021 - under consideration by Congress
The Digital Equity Act of 2021 strengthens federal support for efforts to help ensure students, families, and workers have the information technology capacity needed to fully participate in society by establishing two grant programs to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to promote digital equity nationwide:
- Building Capacity within States through Formula Grants: The legislation creates an annual $125 million formula grant program for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to fund the creation and implementation of comprehensive digital equity plans in each State.
- Spurring Targeted Action through Competitive Grants: The legislation also creates an annual $125 million competitive grant program to support digital equity projects undertaken by individual groups, coalitions, and/or communities of interest.
- Supporting Research and Evidence-Based Policymaking: The legislation tasks NTIA with evaluating digital inclusion projects and providing policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels with detailed information about which projects are most effective.
