Census Bureau Releases Digital Equity Act Population Viewer

F.P. Report

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Census Bureau announced the release of the Digital Equity Act Population Viewer, an interactive collection of maps that highlight various demographics and broadband internet availability and adoption by state. The maps help policymakers plan and implement digital inclusion and equity programs under the Digital Equity Act of 2021.

The Digital Equity Act of 2021 was established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Sections 60301-60307) with the goal of promoting meaningful adoption and use of broadband services across the “covered populations” in the Act, including low-income households, aging populations, incarcerated individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, individuals with a language barrier, racial and ethnic minorities and rural inhabitants.

The map viewer shows the percentage of population covered by the Act, lacking fixed broadband, lacking computer or broadband, those not using the internet, and those not using a device. The map also gives additional information about each of the eight characteristics that make up the covered populations under the Digital Equity Act.

Learn more about the Census Bureau’s work with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in producing the data to support the Digital Equity Act.