Broadband

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) states:  Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes five elements:

1. Affordable, robust broadband internet service;
2. Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;
3. Access to digital literacy/skills training;
4. Quality technical support; and
5. Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.

Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional, and structural barriers to access and use technology.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance recommends the definition from the “Digital Skills Framework,” updated in April 2019 by the Department for Education of the UK government.

Adults will need to have the following foundation skills which underpin all essential digital skills:

With Digital Foundation Skills, I can:

• Turn on a device
• Use the available controls on my device
• Make use of accessibility tools on my device to make it easier to use
• Interact with the home screen on my device
• Understand that the internet allows me to access information and content and that I can connect to it through Wi-Fi (or any internet connection)
• Connect my device to a safe and secure Wi-Fi network (or any internet connection)
• Connect to the internet and open a browser to find and use websites
• Understand that my passwords and personal information need to be kept safely as they have value to others
• Update and change my password when prompted to do so

The National Digital Equity Center offers more than 40 free classes to all Maine residents regardless of income.  Classes are designed around three curricula:  work and business, home and education, and aging well with technology.