In today's world, high-speed internet is a necessity, not a luxury.
Digital connectivity is vital for participating in daily life. Reliable internet is a must for everything from work and education to accessing essential services. Yet, far too many in Utah remain disconnected.
Did you know?
- Over 15% of Utah households do not have internet subscriptions
- 120,000 Utah households do not have a desktop or laptop computer. (According to the 2021 American Communities Survey)
The Connecting Utah Initiative aims to change this by making affordable, reliable internet available to all, regardless of age, location, culture, or income.
The Utah Broadband Center, powered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, is guiding efforts to implement Utah’s Digital Connectivity Plan. Developed in collaboration with the Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission, tribal and community leaders, internet service providers (ISPs), nonprofits, and other stakeholders, it is the blueprint for the state’s initiative to ensure high-speed internet is expanded, deployed, and accessible.
Together, we can bridge the digital divide. Get involved today.
Utah’s Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Access programs are federally funded grants for high-speed internet access and adoption, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Digital Equity Act. Utah received a $317.4 million allocation to build infrastructure where needed and to increase adoption. The Digital Equity Capacity Grant allocation will be determined in the spring of 2024.
BEAD prioritizes unserved locations with no internet access or access to internet speeds under 25/3 Mbps and underserved locations with access to internet speeds under 100/20 Mbps. The Digital Access program examines other barriers relating to affordability, digital skills fluency, device distribution, and more.
Utah has developed a five-year action plan that outlines the strategic priorities for statewide broadband deployment and adoption and important collaboration between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders.
Visit the following links for more information.
The Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission was created during the 2022 General Legislative Session (Utah Code §29-36-109). The Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the Center regarding the state’s broadband digital connectivity plan development and the application for and use of broadband infrastructure funds. The funding sources can include:
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 115-58
- Legislative appropriations
- State and federal grants
The Commission solicits input from relevant stakeholders, including public and private entities, who may assist in developing and implementing the strategic plan. It also provides recommendations and changes based on a review of strategic plan drafts.
Created in 2011, the Utah Broadband Alliance coordinates the collaborative statewide effort on broadband adoption and deployment efforts. Members of the council represent a diverse group of interests, including legislators, economic opportunity, state and local government, healthcare, education, libraries, public safety, and tribal entities.
The Utah Broadband Alliance hosts quarterly in-person meetings and virtual monthly calls.
Connecting Utah Virtual Call
Dec. 18, 2024
Utah's BIG BEAD Grant Weekly Virtual Office Hours
Nov. 5 - Dec. 17, 2024
Every Tuesday from 10:00 -10:30 a.m. MST.
The Utah Broadband Center partners with the Utah Digital Opportunity Network (UDON). UDON is a vibrant coalition of community members, digital inclusion advocates, practitioners, librarians, nonprofits, social service agencies, local government officials, and others dedicated to advancing digital accessibility in Utah. Its mission is to bridge the digital divide by ensuring all Utahns can access the digital tools, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in today's connected world.
The UDON website provides a comprehensive resource for digital inclusion services across Utah tailored to help individuals overcome various barriers to internet connectivity and digital opportunities. Whether you need access to affordable internet, computer literacy training, devices, or support services, its directory connects you to the right resources and programs designed to meet your needs.
To learn more, visit the UDON website at Utah Digital Equity, explore the directory, and discover how UDON can help you or your community enhance digital access and inclusion.
Does your community organization provide digital access resources for community members? Digital access resources include, but are not limited to, services that assist with:
- Broadband access and affordability.
- Device adoption.
- Digital skills and technical support.
- Public device and internet access.
- Digital inclusion funding.
If so, join us in mapping Utah’s digital access resources.
We created a community resource guide that provides information on known digital access resources throughout Utah. The resource information you provide will be added to the Utah Digital Directory and interactive map.
Website
Email: auditorhotline@utah.gov
Phone: 801-538-9777
Website
Email: eebergstedt@utah.gov
Phone: 801-538-3295
Utah Broadband Center and All West Communications Celebrate Completion of Broadband Internet Project in Croydon
Podcast: Ben Elkins — Meeting Rising Demand for Internet Accessibility With Utah Broadband
Utah Digital Access Plan Approved and Digital Equity Capacity Grant Announcement
