COLUMBIA, SC — On February 12, 2024, the Digital Opportunity Department (DOD) of the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) submitted its Digital Equity Plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This five-year Plan is designed to help bridge the digital divide through enhanced broadband adoption and use. Its goals are to enhance the following:
- Broadband availability and affordability
- Online accessibility and inclusivity
- Digital literacy
- Online privacy and cybersecurity
- Device availability and affordability
The Plan will create opportunities for groups that the NTIA has defined as covered populations. These groups include low-income individuals, aging individuals, racial/ethnic minorities, rural residents, veterans, individuals with disabilities, individuals with language barriers, and incarcerated (or formerly incarcerated) individuals.
The DOD’s vision for digital equity in South Carolina is that all South Carolinians have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet and gain the necessary skills to benefit from this technology.
While the South Carolina Department of Administration (DOA) initially had the responsibility for digital equity in the state, the DOA worked closely with the South Carolina Broadband Office (a division of the ORS) to build on partnerships formed through the broadband infrastructure rollout. As a result, on October 1, 2023, the Governor transferred responsibility for digital equity to the ORS, which created the DOD to administer the program.
Now that it has been submitted to the NTIA, the Digital Equity Plan is in the curing phase. During the curing phase, the DOD will work cooperatively with the NTIA to remedy any remaining issues with the Plan. Once the Plan is approved, the DOD will be eligible for funding from the NTIA to begin implementing strategies with stakeholders. More information is available by visiting ors.sc.gov/broadband.
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