Digital Equity Initiative

Technology is the key to unlocking endless possibilities in our lives—from lifelong learning and career opportunities to healthcare, civic engagement, and social connections. Without the necessary resources, like affordable Internet access, digital skills and technical support, and devices, many individuals are left behind. The Digital Equity Initiative seeks to empower everyone with the tools and knowledge they need to fully participate in our tech-driven world, enabling and ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents. To this end, the Initiative will collaboratively work with others in the County to provide centralized support, including strategic planning, expanding partnership opportunities, organizing a Digital Equity Coalition and collaborating with stakeholders, managing digital equity-specific grant opportunities, and advocating for policies that support digital equity.

Arlington County is generally well-served by broadband infrastructure which is near ubiquitous in the County and most properties (95 percent) have a choice between at least two Internet providers providing quality service. While high speed broadband is generally available, not all residents in Arlington subscribe to the Internet. The reasons vary – while some may not want home Internet, others experience a variety of access barriers, including not affording it, not having a device to connect, and/or not understanding how to set up service. According to the American Community Survey:

• Approximately 4.2 percent of Arlington households do not have Internet service in their homes and an additional 7.2 percent of Arlington households rely on a cellular data plan for their Internet needs.
• Approximately 3 percent of Arlington households do not have a computer. In addition, 2.4 percent of households rely on their smartphones alone to access home Internet, which may be enough for navigating some tasks but not fully sufficient for telework or virtual learning capabilities.
• Older adults, low-income residents, and people of color are most impacted by the digital divide in Arlington. Approximately 16.4 percent of households earning less than $75,000 do not have a home internet subscription. Approximately 15.7 percent of older adults, 9.9 percent of Black residents, and 9.4 percent of Hispanic residents do not have both a home internet subscription and a computer in the home.
• The Broadband Study assessed Internet affordability based upon 1.5 percent of household income. Based upon this benchmark and the market rate price for 100/100 Internet service in Arlington at the time of the analysis, approximately 21,496 households are considered Internet cost-burdened and spend more than 1.5 percent of their income towards Internet. This is a conservative estimate as many of these households would qualify for free or low-cost service from Internet providers, thus reducing their cost burden. 

*Sources: 2022 American Community Survey, 5-year data; Broadband Data Collection, Federal Communications Commission, December 2022

Vision

To achieve digital equity, where all Arlington residents have affordable, reliable access to high-speed broadband internet and the necessary devices and technology skills to fully participate in the community and economy.

Guiding Principles

Our work is guided by the following beliefs:

• Access: The internet is available at all serviceable locations.
• Performance: The internet is fast and reliable, and the quality improves over time as uses of the internet continue to evolve.
• Choice: There is sufficient competition among providers and diversity of technological solutions to sustain the other principles.
• Equity: No one faces a barrier based on who they are or where they live.
• Affordability: Cost is not a barrier for any Arlington resident who wants to connect to the internet.
• Skills: Residents have the appropriate skills to be successful on the internet.
• Program Sustainability and Community Capacity: Strategies are sustainable, and the community is engaged on the issue.

Coming soon!