Digital equity action plan, community needs assessment, digital equity action plan implementation
Internet access is increasingly important to everyday life. Access to the information and services it provides fosters economic growth, job creation, education, and a better quality of life.
As part of a broadband expansion program, Hillsborough County conducted an assessment to determine where internet connectivity disparities exist within Hillsborough County and supported Internet Service Provider grant applications. The assessment is helping to develop an action plan to provide equitable broadband internet throughout the county.
The Hillsborough County broadband program supports activities and initiatives of the State of Florida Office of Broadband within the Department of Commerce. An outline of the community needs and action plan.
Community Needs Assessment and Digital Equity Action Plan
- Assessed the Environment
- Performed a gap analysis of underserved and unserved areas
- Determined the state of current infrastructure and asset inventory
- Identified available internet service providers
- Identify Gaps and Community Impact
- Conducted a community consumer survey and speed test
- Performed public and municipal outreach
- Held targeted stakeholder community engagement meetings
- Created a Local Technology Planning Team Completed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges analysis
- Developed Community Needs Assessment
- Documented cellular coverage
- Developed Digital Equity Action Plan
- Identified potential funding sources
- Finalized Digital Equity Action Plan
Related resources:
- FCC Affordable Connectivity Program – federal benefit with monthly discount toward internet service for eligible households
- Broadband Opportunity Program – Governor DeSantis awarded more than $226 million to expand broadband opportunities in rural communities throughout Florida. Approximately $906,000 will be used to add 122.8 miles of fiber optic cable to the existing network to provide 1,792 unserved locations within Hillsborough County (including Plant City, Unincorporated Balm, Keysville, Lithia and Wimauma) with symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1GB.
- FloridaConnect Broadband Map - Residents in unserved areas may search for their property on this interactive map to determine if their location is included in a future broadband service area as awarded by the State of Florida Office of Broadband Opportunity Program. If you are unable to locate your address or need further assistance, please contact.
Questions
If you have any questions about the County Broadband Program or the Digital Equity Action plan email broadband@hcfl.gov.