NTIA Releases Broadband Adoption Toolkit

Pete CodellaBroadband

NTIA CoverThe U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently released its Broadband Adoption Toolkit, a document aimed at sharing best practices developed from broadband adoption and digital literacy projects funded by the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

The toolkit provides specific examples from BTOP recipients describing the strategies and practices that worked best for their broadband adoption programs.

The toolkit highlights adoption activities in four areas:

  • Awareness and outreach
  • Home computers and broadband service
  • Training planning and delivery
  • Curriculum and relevant content

Key messages and guidance in the toolkit include the following:

  • Make digital literacy programs relevant by teaching skills that can change people’s daily lives, such as how to apply and search for a job online.
  • Partner with established community organizations that people know and trust to help engage hard-to-reach populations.
  • Provide convenient times and locations for broadband training and computer use to ensure easy access.
  • Address the cost of broadband adoption by providing access to discounted computer equipment and/or affordable broadband service.

Copies of the toolkit can be accessed at https://www2.ntia.doc.gov/files/toolkit_042913.pdf.