“New Hampshire is a national leader when it comes to deploying critical resources targeted at increasing access to reliable, high-speed internet services. We look forward to identifying new opportunities to bridge the digital divide and connect Granite Staters with the digital economy.” 
–     Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs. 

Help Shape New Hampshire’s Digital Future 

New Hampshire is in the process of developing New Hampshire’s Digital Equity Plan, which aims to connect residents statewide with access to high-speed internet, digital devices, training, and a host of services and resources made possible through digital technology (e.g., telehealth, on-line educational resources, mobile banking, assistive technologies, etc.). The plan places emphasis on unserved or underserved populations, including aging individuals, veterans, racial and ethnic minorities, English learners, individuals with disabilities, those currently or recently incarcerated, rural residents, and veterans. The goal is to foster economic and educational opportunity, healthcare access, civic engagement, and other outcomes.

The planning partners from UNH Cooperative Extension, the National Collaborative for Digital Equity, and METRO’s Digital Equity Research Center are in the process of collecting public input for the plan, which will be supported by $5 million/year in federal implementation funds. Below are multiple ways that you can help shape New Hampshire’s digital future: 

• New Hampshire residents can take a survey by October 17. Your feedback will help us understand barriers to Internet access, affordability, and adoption. To take the survey online, go to: https://bit.ly/NHdigitalequitysurvey   You can also download and print a copy to share with someone without Internet access.  Paper copies can be scanned and emailed to derc@metro.org or postmarked and mailed to: 

 University of New Hampshire Extension 
c/o Michael Polizzotti 
59 College Road 
Taylor Hall 
Durham, NH 03824