Regional Digital Equity Plan
“Digital equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.”
What is Digital Equity?
Digital Equity is about giving everyone in Greater Lowell access to broadband internet technology, and making sure they have the right tools to participate fully in society, democracy, and the economy.
Essentially, the Greater Lowell Regional Digital Equity Plan is about providing…
Infrastructure
A fast, affordable connection
Cables in the ground
Wi-Fi in public places
Anti-digital redlining
Enough bandwidth for everyone in the family
Access
Adequate and appropriate devices for each user and their needs, such as:
Router
Desktop computer
Laptop
Tablet
Education
Knowledge of how to use technology
Ability to ensure equipment is functioning
Understanding of the quality of information and privacy risks
Overcoming fear and shame
Provision of public websites and resources that are accessible for those with disabilities or language barriers
What is the Digital Divide?
“The digital divide is the gap between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those who do not. As technology constantly evolves, the digital divide prevents equal participation and opportunity in all parts of life, disproportionately affecting people of color, Indigenous peoples, households with low incomes, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and older adults.”
Why is a Regional Digital Equity Plan important?
Equitable access to internet service helps everyone in our community with:
Education
Job searches
Shopping
Paying bills
Entertainment
Skill development
Each of these elements help build individual and household wealth, and they make it easier and more convenient to perform the activities of daily life.
What will be created through this process, and what will a Regional Digital Equity Plan do?
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) are embarking on this plan with and for the City of Lowell and the Towns of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford. While one plan will be authored for this work, the project will also result in community-specific materials and recommendations, allowing for both a regional and locally catered approach.
Engagement in this project will focus on the three pillars of digital equity: broadband access, device access, and digital literacy. The final product of this planning process will be an informational, accessible, and actionable Digital Equity Plan, alongside individual summary and recommendation documents tailored for each of the nine municipalities.
Specifically, the Regional Digital Equity Planning process will result in the following deliverables:
A report summarizing current conditions, including the sources of inequity, challenges residents face with digital access, and resources available across the region;
Goals and corresponding strategies that each municipality can aim for to address its unique issues; and
Goals and strategies to guide the region as a whole in addressing the digital divide
Project schedule and phases
Project team and partners
Designed for the Greater Lowell region, the Regional Digital Equity Plan is served by an Advisory Committee which includes volunteers from the following communities:
Billerica
Chelmsford
Dracut
Dunstable
Lowell
Pepperell
Tewksbury
Tyngsborough
Westford
Want to stay informed on the planning process? Click here to sign up for email updates, or reach out to the project team at NMCOG.
Christopher Hayes, NMCOG Project Manager, Housing and Economic Development Manager
Isabel Emmet, Regional Land Use Planner II
Digital Equity Strategy Charrette Tour
To inform the plan, we’re undertaking a series of “strategy charrettes". We want to hear from you and those you know about their experiences. At these two-hour events, we’ll present preliminary findings, then brainstorm and prioritize strategies that will compete for state and federal grants. These events are open to the public, and offer a chance for experts and stakeholders to meet and discuss the best way to enhance the equity in our region!
Chelmsford - May 9, 5 pm - 7 pm, Chelmsford Senior Center (75 Groton Road, North Chelmsford)
Tewksbury - May 13, 1 pm - 3 pm, Tewksbury Town Hall (1009 Main Street, Tewksbury)
Tyngsborough - May 16, 6 pm - 8 pm, Old Town Hall (10 Kendall Road, Tyngsborough)
Dracut - May 21, 1 pm - 3 pm, Location TBD
Billerica - May 30, 1 pm - 3 pm, Billerica Town Hall (365 Boston Road, Billerica)
Dunstable/Westford - TBD
Lowell - TBD
Pepperell - TBD
