DIGITAL INCLUSION: A THREE-LEGGED STOOL

I remember being ecstatic to learn you could get a phone that could travel with you. My first one was the size of a large brick. I felt elite because not very many people owned these exclusive, expensive mobile bricks. Today, it’s really no big deal to have a cell phone—a smartphone—a computer in your hand. 85% of Americans have some access to a smartphone that will connect at least via Wi-Fi to the internet. Smartphone technology is amazing, but it’s not a complete solution for getting people connected in 2023.

Cathryn McGill, Founder/Director

If you are closing the huge gaps that exist in the digital world, you have access to the internet at home, you have an appropriate device (more than just a smartphone), and you know your way around a computer (aka digital inclusion). Digital inclusion is a three-legged stool and you have to have each one of the legs to be fully connected. If your stool is a bit wobbly, we’re here to help.

In March 2023, the Federal Communications Commission awarded $60 million for the Affordable Connectivity Program outreach and education initiative. NMBLC is proud to be a recipient of one of the grants. With this award, we will work to get income eligible New Mexicans connected with appropriate devices at home. Beyond the access and the device, we will also get all of us up to speed on the computer skills you’ll need to live well in this brave, new world. Stay tuned for more information…