Utah's home to one of the youngest, most technologically savvy, and most educated populations in the U.S. To maintain the state's reputation as a premier global destination for business and quality of life, Utah must continue to provide leadership and strategic coordination in digital connectivity.

This plan outlines strategic goals and initiatives to continue to steer the course of broadband deployment, affordability and adoption efforts, and support for digital skill-building across Utah.

Not all Utahns have the option to purchase a home internet plan. Due to infrastructure gaps, many have limited choices in providers, outdated and slow service, or no service at all.

In rural areas, internet subscription costs can be unreasonably high, even for low speeds.

Prices can be unaffordable even in urban areas, multi-housing developments, and low-income households.

High-speed internet may not be available where outdated infrastructure is too costly to replace.

An estimated 120,000 Utah households do not have a desktop or laptop computer, limiting their opportunities online.

14% of Americans are “unprepared” for the digital age, lacking both confidence and knowledge to use resources such as online banking, telehealth, and online social services.

Increasingly, government and other services are only available online, leaving behind those who are not comfortable in the digital world.

Where are the most critical geographic areas for infrastructure investment in the state?

What makes a “low-cost” internet subscription genuinely affordable?

Which internet affordability efforts are effective, and which are not? How can the state ensure residents are aware of low-cost programs?

How can the state assist unconnected Utahns with finding high-quality devices and learning to use them?

Where are the gaps in Utahns’ digital literacy? What skills would be valuable to teach broadly?

Which programs are effective at addressing gaps in digital literacy? Do they fit best in education, government services, or another sector?

How can state and local governments best support residents’ digital connectivity needs?

The State Digital Connectivity Plan will follow rulemaking and requirements from two sources: Utah State Code 63N-17-203 and the federal 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

We’d love to hear from you. Please email broadbandcenter@utah.gov describing your program(s), who it’s open to, the cost to participate, and any relevant links or additional information.

We welcome any quantitative or qualitative data you can provide to help us understand the needs of residents, clients, or customers. Because the landscape has shifted so dramatically since 2020, recent information is especially helpful. However, older data can also be valuable. Please email us at broadbandcenter@utah.gov if you want to provide us with information.

If you choose to survey your community, we suggest asking questions about the following topics:

• Internet accessibility, affordability, and use
• Device use, including the type of device(s) available and ability to complete necessary tasks
• Digital literacy, such as confidence navigating a computer, ability to complete online tasks, and awareness or comfort with online resources and entertainment
• Community support, including where people turn for help with their devices

Help us spread the word about community events, the statewide internet speed test [link: https://speedtest.utah.gov/], and online feedback options. You can access flyers, social media assets, and newsletter copy here.

We recommend talking with local organizations and government services like your school, public library, senior center, or community groups. You can also join Utah Communities Connect, a regional digital alliance working to bring awareness and action to digital inclusion work in Utah.

The State Digital Connectivity Plan will include guidance and direction for these funds in Utah. Specifics of the implementation will be forthcoming as we meet with key stakeholders, communities, citizens, local governments, internet service providers, the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), and the Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission. All stakeholders who have expressed interest are encouraged to join the Utah Broadband Alliance (formerly the Broadband Advisory Council).

Email broadbandcenter@utah.gov to receive information about grant opportunities, updates, and meeting invitations from the Utah Broadband Alliance. If or when funding becomes available, the state will follow proper public notification procedures, including via the Utah Broadband Alliance mailing list.

Local governments, including service districts or zones and municipal cooperatives, are encouraged to have a representative attend Utah Broadband Alliance meetings virtually or in person for the most up-to-date information. Please contact us at broadbandcenter@utah.gov for more information.

Federal rulemaking requires the state to involve each municipality in the planning process. The Utah Broadband Center looks forward to working with local governments, organizations, and key stakeholders. Please reach out to us at broadbandcenter@utah.gov or 801-538-8680. More information about this process will be available soon.