The Role of Digital Connection Committee
To ensure the state's digital equity plan reflects the experiences of all Minnesotans, Digital Connection Committees are an essential piece of OBD's planning strategy and process. Self-selected Committees will serve as key partners as OBD collects information about local digital inclusion strengths, needs, and goals. Committees can be formed by a variety of entities, including but not limited to political subdivisions, non-profits, anchor institutions, faith-based organizations, and Minnesota-based businesses. OBD will communicate directly with Committees throughout the planning process.
Existing workgroups, committees, etc. focused on any aspect of digital inclusion are welcome to register. Committees representing one or more of the following populations are especially encouraged to participate:
- People from low-income households
- People age 60 or older
- People who are incarcerated
- Veterans
- People with disabilities
- People learning to speak or read English
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
- People living in rural communities
Register Your Committee
Digital Connection Committee registration opens January 25. Use the following form to register your committee.
For assistance completing this form or to request a paper form, please call 651-259-7267 or email Hannah.Buckland@state.mn.us.
Committee Requirements
Digital Connection Committees shape the digital equity plan by receiving and sharing updates from OBD; gathering information about local digital inclusion strengths, needs, and goals; and providing feedback on a draft plan. OBD recognizes that committees' participation is entirely voluntary. With this in mind, any committee's overall workload is flexible based on the individual committee's capacity.
No committee is too small to contribute meaningfully. The requirements are deliberately broad:
- Identify one committee member who will serve as the committee's primary contact person for OBD
- Receive and share updates about OBD's digital equity planning process
In addition, committees can choose from a menu of optional responsibilities:
- Apply for an Assessing Digital Inclusion Mini-Grant by March 3
- Gather local information about digital inclusion assets, needs, and goals
- Attend virtual networking sessions to meet and learn from other Committees
- Provide feedback on a draft of the Digital Equity Plan between late August and late September
- Be a network of partners for OBD to rely on as Digital Equity Act work progresses beyond 2023
Support for Committees
All committees will receive templates, guidance, and additional information from OBD staff no later than March 31.
Many committees will be eligible to apply for a non-competitive Assessing Digital Inclusion Mini-Grant of up to $4,000. Mini-grant applications are due March 3.
Find a Committee Near You
Use the map and directory below to find a committee near you.
These resources can help households with the monthly cost of broadband service and obtaining a device.
Reduced Rates for Broadband Service
Low Income Discount Service Offered by Providers
Below are links to low income discounts and/or programs offered by some of the larger broadband providers in Minnesota. Please note that your location will need to be within the service area of the provider to qualify for their discounted offering.
Other Minnesota broadband providers may offer discounted pricing for broadband access as well. You may want to contact your provider directly to see if they offer any discounted programs and how to qualify.
Some Minnesota telephone companies offer the Lifeline discount for broadband service to low income households (discount of $9.25/month or $34.25/month in tribal areas) and/or other discounted pricing. If the telephone company serving your location also provides broadband service, you may want to contact them directly to see if they participate in the Lifeline program or offer a discounted service for eligible households.
PCs for People, in a partnership with Mobile Beacon, also offer a discounted 4G LTE wireless broadband service for approximately $15 per month to eligible low income households. More information on this program.
Discounted Computers
In addition to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, Comcast offers discounted pricing on computers under its Internet Essentials program for residents in its coverage area. Another option for a low-cost computer is available through the nonprofit PCs for People. Reach them by phone at 651-354-2552 or visit one of their offices (St. Paul, Mankato, Grand Rapids and Brainerd).
If you want to use a computer but do not want to own one or do not have a broadband connection, the Technology Literacy Collaborative lists community technology centers, including libraries, in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.
Digital Literacy
CTEP Americorp bridges the "digital divide" for new Immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. CTEP AmeriCorps members help youth and adults use technology to better access social, civic, educational and economic opportunities.
NTIA Toolkit
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce was responsible for overseeing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for broadband adoption and public computing centers. Using the early results of its evaluation of these projects, the NTIA put together this report to assist others to reach, educate and support people who are not yet online.
