While the City of Philadelphia has worked on digital equity for over fifteen years, the COVID-19 pandemic created the need for more resources and a comprehensive strategic plan. Technology became a critical part of daily life for residents—through working from home, virtual learning, telehealth, and more.
The Digital Equity Plan aims to help Philadelphia reach a baseline of digital equity over the next five years. The three key pillars of digital equity are: internet access, devices, and digital literacy.
Goals and Strategies
The Digital Equity Plan has four key goals with strategies for support.
- Goal 1: Philadelphians can access appropriate and affordable technology.
- Key strategies:
- Increase bulk purchasing and grants for devices.
- Develop and support a network of Public Computer Centers (PCCs).
- Expand computer recycling, refurbishing, and community tech support.
- Key strategies:
- Goal 2: Philadelphians can access and afford the internet connectivity they need.
- Key strategies:
- Establish sustainable household-based models for internet subsidies.
- Facilitate sustainable community-based networks to increase public Wi-Fi and free or low-cost broadband.
- Encourage the expansion of high-quality, low-cost broadband subscription options.
- Key strategies:
- Goal 3: Philadelphians develop the digital skills necessary for work and life.
- Key strategies:
- Provide community-based Digital Navigation services across the city.
- Build a system of Digital Literacy providers.
- Align digital literacy assessments, curriculum, and training across Philadelphia providers.
- Ensure multilingual outreach and programs are available to residents.
- Key strategies:
- Goal 4: Philadelphia grows and sustains the capacity and infrastructure required to increase digital equity.
- Key strategies:
- Build capacity in city government to advance digital equity.
- Establish regular data collection for strategic planning.
- Seed capacity for non-City entities to advance digital equity.
- Establish and promote best practices for software applications and tools.
- Key strategies:
What’s next?
Championing digital equity will continue to be a part of Philadelphia’s digital equity work. Three specific objectives that will support the City’s goals:
- Funding programs that support digital equity across Philadelphia, including PHLConnectED, Digital Navigators, public computing centers, digital literacy courses, and more;
- Engaging with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania about Philadelphia’s digital equity needs—especially when it comes to distribution of federal dollars; and
- Forming public-private partnerships that encourage businesses and organizations to take part in digital equity and highlighting how overcoming the digital divide will benefit all of Philadelphia.