Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is coming to a location near you to hear input on the current state of internet service; barriers Vermonters have accessing, affording, or using it; and what can be done to improve it.
The currently scheduled listening sessions will take place:
- Wednesday, June 14, in Brattleboro
- Saturday, June 17, in Rutland
- Monday, June 19, in Newport
- Thursday, June 22, in Burke
- Tuesday, June 27, in Swanton
You can find more information about these sessions and additional sessions that will be added on the VCBB website. Everyone is welcome at these free events. $20 gas cards will be provided at the conclusion of the events to compensate participants for their travel expenses. Snacks will also be provided.
VCBB is gathering input to develop Vermont’s Internet for All plans to bridge the digital divide and ensure all Vermonters have access to affordable broadband as well as the knowledge and equipment to use it.
The effort is part of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity Act, which will distribute more than $45 billion nationwide to expand high-speed Internet by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, mapping, adoption programs, and promote digital inclusion and advance equity for all.
The federal government requires states to engage with and reach out to people who are affected by the digital divide when planning their programs.
VCBB is calling for input from all Vermonters and specifically members of the following populations: aging people, those with household incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level, people with a language barrier, people living in rural areas, veterans, incarcerated people, members of a racial or ethnic minority group, people with disabilities, tribal populations, LGBTQ+ people, unhoused people, and migrant farmworkers.
If you would like to share your experience with internet access, the digital divide, and/or have ideas about how to ensure digital equity, you can also email your comments to [email protected], write to VCBB, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620, or call (800) 622-4496. You can find this and more information on our website, Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity Act | Department of Public Service (vermont.gov).
Source: 6.12.2023. Vermont Department of Public Service. Montpelier
