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Media Release
AZBSN COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force Publishes
Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report
AZBSN COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force Publishes
Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report
Contact
Steve Peters, Coordinator Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network and COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force 520-321-1309 [email protected] Phoenix, Arizona January 2021
In 2020 the Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network, a collaborative initiative of the Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council (ATIC) and the Greater Arizona Educational Leadership (GAZEL) organization, created the COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force to address the unprecedented demand for Internet and other digital access services and resources in Arizona resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic’s social and physical distancing requirements. Digital Access Strategy Report
In November 2020 the Task Force published a Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report. The Report provides short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives to address the digital access needs of all Arizona citizens, including students, parents, teachers, seniors, and library patrons, especially those citizens in tribal, rural and other underserved communities and low-income neighborhoods in Arizona. The initiatives also address the need for Internet and other digital access services and resources to enable schools, universities, community colleges, homes, libraries, healthcare facilities, businesses and communities to support education, healthcare, community services, economic development, and more. The report, submitted on behalf of the more than 60 public and private digital access advocates participating in the statewide Task Force, is intended for:
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What Is Digital Access?
Digital access is more than just access to fast affordable and reliable Broadband Internet access.
While we need to get everyone connected, many Arizona citizens don’t have access to other digital access requirements including affordable devices such as computers, smartphones and home hotspots; skills and technical support to enable them to use the devices, the Internet and applications effectively; digital literacy and web literacy skills; and access to digital content, applications and other resources. |
What's In The Report
Table of Contents
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The Report Includes
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Recommendations at a Glance
The report includes recommendations in the following areas:
- Technology and Infrastructure
- State and Community Digital Access Planning
- Funding and Resources Support Strategies
- State Broadband and Digital Inclusion Leadership, Policy and Regulation
- Technical Support and Professional Development for Education and the Community
- Public Access to Digital Resources
- Educational Digital Content and Resource Sharing
- Safe Operations of Schools, Libraries and Public Spaces in the COVID-19 Environment
About The Task Force
The COVID-19 Task Force has engaged over 50 Digital Access advocates including public and private leaders and industry experts to share information and collaborate on recommendations and critical digital access initiatives for Arizona. Participation in the Task Force includes representation across State and Local Government, Public Policy Makers, Rural Community Leaders, Economic Development, Education, Health Services, Public Safety, Libraries, Nonprofit Organizations, Telecommunication Service Providers, and Technology Companies.
The Task Force is:
The Task Force is:
- Identifying digital access needs
- Enabling collaboration, coordination, sharing of information and resources and communication among key public, private and nonprofit digital access advocates
- Developing a statewide digital access strategy including short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives
- Facilitating project partnerships
- Providing federal, state and local government briefings and; identifying and advocating for funding to enable implementation of COVID-19 Digital Access projects
While there are many more partners that deserve recognition, the following is a representative list of our Task Force participants:
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Participation Is Encouraged by All
Stay Connected!
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ContactSteve Peters, Coordinator
Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network Covide-19 Digital Access Network Steve Peters, Coordinator Phone and Text520-321-1309 [email protected] |