Digital Equity

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the Digital Access team are excited to announce Digital Inclusion Week, taking place from October 6-10.

This nationwide event is an annual tradition dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of digital inclusion and celebrating those who work to advance digital equity in their communities. This year, Colorado’s Digital Access Team is focusing on the crucial role that partnerships play in making digital inclusion a reality.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded Colorado $12M in a Digital Equity Act Capacity Grant. The funding will support the carrying out of essential digital equity initiatives from the Colorado Digital Access Plan.

Digital Inclusion Week is an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration, where individuals and organizations across the nation host events and campaigns to promote and increase digital equity in their communities.

Colorado is taking big steps to connect ALL Coloradans to the digital world. Earlier this year, the Digital Equity Team published Colorado’s first Digital Access Plan.

The CBO is traveling around the state to host a Summer Roadshow, where we will meet with broadband decision-makers and partners in every region. During the sessions a representative from the CBO will discuss all things broadband, including funding, mapping, broadband readiness, community engagement and digital equity. In addition, the CBO will cover updates specific to each locale. 

Check out the 2024 schedule.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Colorado’s Digital Access Plan, which outlines how to make internet access affordable, provide devices and offer essential digital skills training to empower Coloradans for a brighter, more connected future.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the release of its Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for State Digital Equity Capacity Grants. This means Colorado's Digital Equity Team is currently working hard to apply for State Digital Equity Act Capacity Grant funds. Once awarded, Colorado will receive $12,368,261 for the first round of funding.

We had a highly productive year in 2023. We announced Capital Projects Fund (CPF) awards, received an allocation of $826.5 million from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and passed significant legislation that removes barriers to investing federal dollars, among many more things. These accomplishments were made possible by partnerships with broadband stakeholders across the state, and are highlighted in our Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) 2023 Report. There is a lot of progress to celebrate!

The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) is excited to announce our 2024 Broadband Roadshow happening this summer. We’re looking forward to getting on the road to meet with local communities to discuss all things Colorado broadband. On this tour, we would like to address the subjects that are more relevant for you and your community.  

The Digital Equity team is supporting public comments listening sessions on the draft Digital Access Plan in multiple locations across the state. 

The draft Colorado Digital access Plan, a community-led plan to expand digital access in Colorado, is now available for public review and comment. Public comment is available through Jan. 19, 2024 in the following languages - Spanish, French, Russian, Dari, Farsi, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Pashto.