Minnesota's Digital Equity Plan

Reliable, affordable high-speed internet access is of utmost importance to older Minnesotans, but access and adoption have remained elusive for too many, too long. In addition, it will be critical to help people acquire the skills, devices, and capacity they need to access the internet and reap the full benefits of our digital economy.

Through the federally funded Digital Equity Act, the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development (OBD) is facilitating the development of a statewide digital opportunity plan to reduce gaps in access, device ownership, and digital skills.

AARP submitted comments on Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development Draft Equity Plan. On behalf of our nearly 620,000 members statewide, AARP Minnesota appreciates the opportunity to comment on thanks OBD for inviting public comment on its draft Plan.

"AARP supported the Plan’s three goals, which focus on the human aspect of digital equity and the strategy of exploring the creation of a statewide technical assistance helpline, a statewide device discount program, and affordable internet services, said Mary Jo George, associate state director of advocacy at AARP Minnesota. "We urged OBD to expound on societal factors, namely ageism, as one important issue undermining internet adoption. Overall, we believe the Plan is well-written, user-friendly, comprehensive, practical, and visionary."

AARP commends OBD for offering many opportunities for citizens and stakeholders to contribute to the state’s digital equity plan and implementation. The public comment period runs now through September 29.

• Review the plan handout
• Read a brief summary of the plan
• Read the full draft
• Provide comments through our online comment form
• Provide comments in writing via mail:
  Office of Broadband Development
  Attn: Digital Opportunity Plan
  Great Northern Building
  180 5th St. E
  St. Paul, MN 55101