Join Digital Equity Working Groups

Participate in New Jersey’s Digital Inclusion Work

Published on March 17, 2025

New Jersey is at an exciting time in its digital inclusion work. With the approvals of the BEAD and Digital Equity plans by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the release of funding for implementation of those plans, New Jersey is poised to make great strides in connecting all residents to the benefits of high-speed broadband. And we need your help.

The Office of Broadband Connectivity together with the NJ State Library will re-convene two working groups to provide input, guidance, and feedback on updating the Digital Equity Plan.

Laptops, cellphones, and headphones scattered around a table.

The Digital Equity Working Group and the Digital Equity Workforce Development Working Group were originally formed by OBC in December 2022 to contribute to the development of the NJ Digital Equity Plan and identify workforce needs related to telecommunications deployment. The next iteration of these working groups will further guide the implementation of the NJ Digital Equity Plan by providing direct feedback to OBC, advocating for the needs of the sectors they represent, and engaging targeted Covered Populations identified by NTIA:

Low-income households
Aging individuals
Incarcerated individuals
Veterans
Individuals with disabilities
English language learners
Communities of color
Rural residents

Digital Equity Working Group will inform the planned update of the NJ Digital Equity Plan to identify new objectives, strategies, and measures related to broadband adoption and affordability; further explore local needs including those of targeted populations; and address issues caused by the elimination of the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Digital Equity Workforce Development Working Group will support OBC’s work to address potential shortages within the broadband workforce, provide feedback to the State’s workforce plan, share real-world experience from industry and engagement with Covered Populations, and learn about resources, opportunities and challenges in the state related to digital skills and workforce development.

Please consider joining one of these working groups – all voices need to be at the table.

The Working Groups will meet twice a month during hour-long virtual sessions through December 2025.

If you or colleagues are interested in being a part of this work, please let us know. Fill out an Interest Form by March 31, 2025, and let us know who you are, which working group you are selecting, how to contact you, and what Covered Population(s) you represent.

Application form available here: https://forms.office.com/r/DKBQZ49vQ8.