HomeMy WebLinkAbout143035 WUS001066 WorkbookWriting Broadband Action
and Digital Equity Plans
A workbook for Washington communities
Updated March 2023
Table of Contents
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1
How To Use This Workbook................................................................................................................................2
BEAD and Digital Equity Programs Overview.....................................................................................................4
Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program..............................................................................4
BEAD Planning in Washington..........................................................................................................................4
Role of Local Broadband Action Plans...............................................................................................................5
Digital Equity Act Programs..............................................................................................................................6
Covered Populations in the Digital Equity Act....................................................................................................6
The Role of Local Digital Equity Plans...............................................................................................................6
Anticipated Timeline with Tasks.........................................................................................................................8
Resources.......................................................................................................................................................10
Building and Strengthening a Broadband Action Team (BAT)............................................................................15
Vision, Goals, and Objectives............................................................................................................................16
Broadband Action Plan...................................................................................................................................17
Digital Equity Action Plan...............................................................................................................................20
Executive Summary Development....................................................................................................................22
Worksheet Templates......................................................................................................................................23
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS
Acknowledgements
This Workbook was developed and inspired by past efforts of the following groups and organizations, who are
collectively moving community broadband planning and digital equity work forward.
Michigan Moonshot Project (Merit Network)
National Digital Equity Extension Team (NDEET)
NoaNet
Petrichor Broadband
Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC)
University of Missouri System
National Digital Inclusion Alliance
Washington State Broadband Office
Washington State University Extension
With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the federal government is making histor-
ic investments in broadband and digital equity, establishing $65 billion in programs aimed at bringing all U.S.
residents online. The bulk of these programs will be implemented at the state level. The successful implemen-
tation of this generational opportunity will rely on significant coordination between the State and a wide range
of stakeholders, including local and Tribal governments, community-based organizations, community anchor
institutions, Internet Service Providers, and others. In Washington, Broadband Action Teams (BATs) and Tribes
will play a critical role in the Washington State Broadband Office’s (WSBO) local coordination efforts.
WSBO has partnered with Washington State University (WSU) Extension to support the capacity of BATs and
Tribes, and the development of their local Broadband Action Plans and Digital Equity Action Plans. These plans
will provide a local framework for planning and implementing projects to expand broadband infrastructure and
promote digital equity for everyone in our communities.
In addition to building this foundational planning framework, the
local Action Plans will support the State’s local coordination ef-
forts required under the Broadband, Equity, Access, and De-
ployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Act (DEA) programs es-
tablished under the IIJA. This local coordination will provide
WSBO the local input and data they need to ensure that
the implementation of these programs serves Washing-
tonians for decades to come.
Your participation is critical to Washington having a
well-informed broadband and digital equity plan that en-
compasses the diverse realities across Washington and
makes inroads into solving the digital divide.
A BAT, community, or Tribe that receives BAT
Planning funds will submit the results from
these efforts to WSU Extension Broad-
band and Digital Equity Support
team. Results from across the State
and Tribal Governments will be
compiled and utilized to inform
WSBO and Legislative priorities
and allocation strategy for the
State’s BEAD funding.
Introduction
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 1
What is the role of WSU Extension?
In this partnership, WSU Extension is working
on behalf of the WSBO to provide technical,
operational, and planning funding support for
local and Tribal efforts to develop Broadband
and Digital Equity Action Plans, which will in-
form the State’s Five-Year Action Plan under
the BEAD Program and the State Digital Eq-
uity Plan under the DEA Program.
Each participating BAT and Tribe will be paired
with a dedicated Support Team, which in-
cludes a Regional Project Coordinator, Project
Manager, and dedicated Advisory Support.
Additionally, participants will be supported
by tools, resources, and expertise provided by
WSU Extension and our partners.
BATs and Tribes are not required to apply for
planning funding support to participate or re-
ceive the available technical and operation-
al support. However, those that do receive
funds will be required to submit the relevant
Action Plans.
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 2
WSU Extension is the front door to the Uni-
versity. Extension builds the capacity of indi-
viduals, organizations, businesses and com-
munities, empowering them to find solutions
for local issues and to improve their quality of
life. With a presence in every county in Wash-
ington, as well as offices serving the Confed-
erated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and
the Kalispel Tribe, Extension has been helping
counties and tribes form BATS over the past
six years. WSU
How To Use This Workbook
The Action Plans developed under this program will be provided to WSBO to inform the development of Wash-
ington’s Five-Year Action Plan and the State Digital Equity Plan.
This Workbook is a program guide developed to support Broadband Action Teams (BATs), County and Tribal
Governments in developing Broadband Action Plans and Local Digital Equity Plans. It provides a roadmap for
communities to collect data and develop plans that establish a shared understanding of needs and alignment of
priorities that creates a foundation for locally-driven solutions to bring the benefits of the Internet.
As WSBO undertakes the development and implementation of a statewide plan for broadband and digital equi-
ty, local and Tribal input and feedback will be critical to ensure unique realities across our diverse communities
are understood and integrated. The plans developed using this Workbook will be provided to WSBO in a manner
that will support the development of robust, locally-informed plans for the entire state of Washington, including
Tribes located in this area.
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 3
What is included?
This Workbook is built around a planning guide and related worksheets that are designed to support the devel-
opment and alignment of local and Tribal Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plans. Filled with templates and
tips, this workbook has been designed to walk your team through the steps required to develop robust strat-
egies to ensure your community is prepared to ensure everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed
Internet, as well as the skills, technologies, and capacity to use it effectively.
❶Overview of BEAD and DEA Programs
To support these local planning efforts, the Workbook begins with an Overview of the BEAD and DEA Pro-
grams, as well as Washington State’s Digital Equity Act, established by HB 1723. Aligning with these programs
can feel complicated at times. This overview will always be there if you need a refresher.
❷Anticipated Planning Timeline
To provide you with a better idea of what to expect and how to structure your planning processes, there is a
timeline of anticipated tasks associated with the completion of the Action Plans. Each BAT and Tribe are start-
ing from a different place, so this timeline can be adjusted and customized as needed.
❸Guide to Resources
There are various resources that WSU Extension and our partners are providing to support local planning ef-
forts. The Guide to Resources will give you a rundown of the different forms of support and how they will be
provided to BATs and Tribes that choose to participate.
❹Guide to Developing Your Action Plans
At the core of this Workbook is the guide to Developing Your Action Plans, which includes recommendations
for aligning your planning efforts, steps to build or strengthen your BAT, where applicable, and a walkthrough
of the various components of your Action Plans.
❺Worksheet Templates
To support a common structure to the Action Plans, Worksheet Templates are provided. These can be used to
structure your thoughts, jot down notes, and collect feedback. Each Template will also be made available in an
online form, which will be included in a suite of project management tools.
❻Glossary
The terminology used throughout this booklet may not be a part of your everyday vocabulary. The glossary
provided at the end of this Workbook will provide the definitions to navigate and effectively use this document
to implement your planning efforts.
Approximately $48 billion of the funding allocated for broadband and digital equity under the IIJA will be ad-
ministered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), with the bulk of the
funding flowing to states. This guide is focused on two programs that account for the bulk of the available
funds—the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Act (DEA) Programs.
BEAD and Digital Equity Programs Overview
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 4
Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program
The $42.5 billion BEAD Program funds states and territories to develop partnerships with communities and
various stakeholders to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas with the goal to
get everyone in the United States online. The NTIA will use the new FCC Broadband Data Maps to determine
funding allocation amounts for each state and territory.
Each state will be responsible for implementing a subgrant program that allocates BEAD funding for the
deployment of broadband infrastructure in eligible areas, which include:
Unserved Area—Any service area in which 80% or more of the broadband serviceable locations do not
have access to Internet service at, or above, 25/3Mbps.
Underserved Area—Any service area in which 80% or more of the broadband serviceable locations do
not have access to Internet service at, or above, 100/20Mbps.
Eligible Service Areas
BEAD Planning in Washington
The Washington State Broadband Office will be responsible for administering the statewide program under
BEAD. To secure Washington’s allocation, WSBO is required to develop a series of plans and proposals, which
include a Five-Year Action Plan, Initial Proposal, and Final Proposal.
2023
Step 1: 5-Year Action Plan
Step 1: Due 270 days after
planning funds received
Step 2: Due 180 days after new data maps
and notice of fundings amounts issued
Step 3: Due 365 days after
initial proposal approval
Source: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, “The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program: Program Details for Applicants”
(webinar, May 2022, https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/June-1-Webinar-Presentation.pdf
2024 2025
Step 2: Initial Proposal Step 3: Final Proposal
Five-Year Action Plan
Due August 2023
The Five-Year Action Plan (FYAP) will provide a foundation for BEAD planning by establishing
broadband goals, priorities, and a comprehensive needs assessment that the Initial Proposal and
Final Proposal will build upon.
Initial Proposal
Due December 2023
The Initial Proposal is the “first draft” of the Final Proposal. It is intended to explain how the State
intends to use the BEAD funds and other sources of funding to ensure that every resident has ac-
cess to a reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband connection. Upon the NTIA’s approval of the
Initial Proposal, a minimum of 20% Washington’s allocation will be made available.
Final Proposal
Due Late 2024
The Final Proposal is intended to explain how the State intends to use the BEAD funds and other
sources of funding to ensure that every resident has access to a reliable, affordable, high-speed
broadband connection, including how it complied with what was included in the Initial Proposal.
Upon the NTIA’s approval of the Final Proposal, the remaining 80% Washington’s allocation will
be made available.
Role of Local Broadband Action Plans
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 5
Each of these planning phases will direct-
ly inform how BEAD funds are deployed in
Washington. Throughout the entire plan-
ning process, WSBO will rely on robust lo-
cal, Tribal, and stakeholder coordination to
inform the development of statewide plans
and ensure the program’s success in bring-
ing every resident and business in Wash-
ington online.
The Broadband Action Plans, as outlined in
this Workbook, will serve the critical func-
tion of developing local plans alongside
the development of the Statewide Five-
Year Action Plan. These plans will serve as
a foundation upon which communities can
build to contribute to the development
of the Initial Proposal and Final Proposal
while pursuing local solutions.
Washington Spotlight: The public and private sectors partnered in Whit-
man County, Washington to bring a fiber to the home network to five rural,
farming communities on the Palouse.
Step 3
Step 2
Step 1
Digital Equity Act Programs
The combined funding pool of $2.75 billion for the Digital
Equity Act established two programs – the State Digital
Equity Capacity Grant and Digital Equity Competitive
Grant Programs. Both programs aim to ensure that all
people and communities have the skills, technology, and
capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital so-
ciety. The NTIA established a partnership with the U.S.
Census Bureau to determine the allocation of funding to
each state.
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 6
Covered Populations in the Digital Equity Act
The Digital Equity Act Programs are designed to prioritize programs that serve the following “Covered Popula-
tions.” In reaching these Covered Populations, you should begin by reaching out to the entities that
serve those populations, rather than reaching out directly to those populations.
→ Populations whose income is under 150% of the federal poverty level → Aging Individuals → Incarcerated, or formerly incarcerated, individuals → Veterans → Individuals with disabilities → Individuals of racial or ethnic minority groups → Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area → Individuals with a language barrier, including those who are English learners, or have
low levels of literacy
Role of Local Digital Equity Plans
The local digital equity plans developed using this Workbook will be useful for both Digital Equity Act programs,
however they are specifically designed for the state grant.
The State Digital Equity Plan and the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant proposal will directly inform how DEA
funds are implemented in the state of Washington. Throughout the entire planning process, WSBO will rely on
robust local, Tribal, and stakeholder coordination to inform the development of statewide plans and ensure the
The Washington State Legislature has also identified “Underserved Populations” in HB 1723 which must be
considered in state digital equity planning. The Underserved Populations include the Covered Populations
identified in IIJA and additionally include:
→ Children and youth in foster care → Individuals experiencing housing instability
This Workbook is designed to support the development of local digital equity plans that provide a foundation
of local understanding for digital equity planning in Washington. Therefore, the local plans will include these
Underserved Populations in the planning for Covered Populations.
To secure Washington’s allocation of DEA funding, WSBO is required to use State Digital Equity Planning Grant
funds to develop a State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP).
State Digital Equity Plan
Due December 2023
The State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) is a prerequisite to the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant. The
SDEP will assess the current state of digital equity in Washington and establish the State’s vision,
strategy, and goals. The plan will serve as a foundation to pursue funding through the State Digital
Equity Capacity Grant and amplify the objectives of stakeholders, including community based re-
gional, local, and Tribal governmental entities, and community-based organizations.
Digital Equity Planning in Washington
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 7
State Digital Equity Capacity Grant
Estimated Due Date: Mid 2024
The $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program is designed to support capacity for
digital inclusion initiatives, programs, and the implementation of the SDEP. These may include a
wide range of activities including support for resources for developing digital skills, digital navi-
gator programs, and other activities to support the adoption and application of the Internet and
connected. Upon the approval of a proposal, Washington will receive its allocation to support a
five-year grant program.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
Estimated Due Date: Mid-Late 2024
The $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program will be launched shortly after the NTIA begins dis-
tributing funds under the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant, providing an opportunity for local
governments, tribes, non-profits, community anchor institutions, education agencies, workforce
development organizations, and other entities to apply directly to the NTIA for funding to imple-
ment digital equity programs. Funding will be made available directly to successful applicants.
program’s success in ensuring that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed
to reap the full benefits of our digital society. Through the data gathered in this effort, your team will send valu-
able information on local assets and areas of concern regarding digital equity. These will inform the statewide
plan and will ensure that funds and resources are distributed in the most impactful way possible.
Step 3
Step 2
Step 1
202520242023
Step 1: State Digital Equity Plan
Step 2: State Digital Capacity Grant
Step 3: Digital Equity Competitive Grant
Project Phases and Worksheets
Phase 1: Building Your BAT
Due March 1
Worksheet #1: Pre-BAT Inventory
Worksheet #2: Building Your BAT
Worksheet #4: BAT Communications
Worksheet #6: Defining Your Goals and Objectives
Worksheet #3: Defining BAT Roles
Worksheet #5: Writing Your Vision Statement
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 8
Phase 2: Assessing and Collecting Data
Due April 15
Worksheet #7: Reviewing your Broadband Base Map
Worksheet #8: Local Asset Inventory
Worksheet #10: Internet Service Provider Outreach
Worksheet #9: Community Anchor Institution Service Inventory
Worksheet #14: Digital Equity Asset Inventory
Phase 3: Reviewing
Due May 15
Worksheet #11: Infrastructure Gaps on Our Community Broadband Map
Worksheet #12: Obstacles to Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Worksheet #15: Digital Equity and Access Needs Assessment
Worksheet #17: Potential Paths Forward for Digital Equity
Worksheet #13: Potential Paths Forward for Broadband
Worksheet #16: Obstacles to Broadband Access and Adoption
Phase 4: Putting It All Together
Due June 15
Worksheet #18: Create your Executive Summary
Support Regions
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 9
We have structured the provision of our technical and project support by dividing the state into 8 support re-
gions, each with a dedicated support team. These regions are primarily identified for the purposes of facilitat-
ing support and project resources and do not limit regional coordination or planning between these regions.
Tribes have been allocated a resource set outside of these regions for tribally-specific planning efforts. Tribes
may also, and are encouraged to, participate in the county and regional planning efforts if they so choose.
Region 1: Counties: Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific; Tribes: Chehalis, Hoh,
Jamestown S’Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, Makah, Quileute, Quinault, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Shoal-
water Bay, Skokomish, Squaxin Island, Suquamish
Region 2: Counties: Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan, Island; Tribes: Lummi, Nooksack,
Samish, Sauk-Suiattle, Stillaguamish, Swinomish, Tulalip, Upper Skagit
Region 3: Counties: Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Spokane; Tribes: Colville*, Kalispell, Spokane
Region 4: Counties: Okanogan, Grant, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, and Yakima; Tribes: Colville*, Yakama*
Region 5: Counties: Lewis, Wahkiakum, Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Klickitat; Tribes: Cowlitz, Yakama*
Region 6: Counties: Adams, Lincoln, Benton, Franklin
Region 7: Counties: Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Asotin, Whitman
Region 8: Counties: King, Pierce, Thurston; Tribes: Chehalis, Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Puyallup,
Snoqualmie
*Colville and Yakama each span two planning regions.
Resources
There is a lot of information and work included in
this Workbook—but you’re not facing this task alone.
A team has been assembled to support your work
throughout this process and ensure that your commu-
nity is well-represented in this broadband infrastruc-
ture and digital equity planning effort.
Regional Support Teams
Broadband Action Teams and Tribes will be assigned a
regional program coordinator, advisory support, and a
project manager to support the development of local
plans. These team members will be available to attend
your in-person and virtual meetings, support the gathering of data, help with keeping timelines and tasks on
track, and linking your team to tools and resources that will support the development of your local inventory
assessment and digital equity plans. If you need support throughout the process—we’re here to help!
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 10
Regional Program Coordinators
The Regional Program Coordinator assigned to your region will be your primary point of contact throughout
this planning process. They will provide general support for your overall planning efforts and help navigate
each step of the process. Your Coordinator will be prepared to provide a wide range of project and technical
support, pulling in support from the advisory staff, project manager, and the statewide team as additional
expertise is required.
The Regional Program Coordinators will be available to attend your regularly scheduled BAT or Tribal
planning meetings to provide answer questions and provide updates and support, as needed. They will also
be available to attend special planning meetings, as schedule allows.
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests your Regional Program Coordinator will be your go-to and
the rest of the team will be ready to jump in at your request!
Regional Advisory Support
The Regional Advisory Support will primarily be available to provide additional subject matter expertise to
support you throughout the planning process. They are primarily tasked with providing additional technical
support, but will occasionally provide project support as needed, when your Coordinator is not available.
Advisory Support will generally be requested through your Coordinator.
Project Implementation Partners
To provide the best possible support for BATs and Tribes across the state, WSU Extension has partnered with
the following organizations, which each play a unique and critical role in supporting the development of Local
Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plans.
Statewide Program Leads
Dustin Loup
Project Director
dustin.loup@wsu.edu
Nick Pappin
Technical Director
nick.pappin@wsu.edu
Sabrina Roach
Digital Equity Lead
sabrina.roach@wsu.edu
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 11
Dan Fagerlie and Terri Parr
Tribal Support Leads
fagerlie@wsu.edu
terri.parr@wsu.edu
The Project Manager assigned to your region will provide you with the project management tools and
overall framework for completing the various sections of your Action Plans and compiling the overall plan in
preparation for submission to WSU Extension and WSBO.
In providing this project management support, the Project Manager will be setting up the platforms that will
support and efficient planning process, including online forms, spreadsheets, and documents. They will use
these tools to provide a manageable framework for planning and ensure that the plans are structured
properly and remain on track.
The Project Manager will primarily interface with your Coordinator, but will provide direct support as
needed.
Project Manager
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 12
Planning and Project Management Tools
Worksheets
To support a common structure to the Action Plans, Worksheet Templates are provided. These can be used to
structure your thoughts, jot down notes, and collect feedback. All final worksheet versions will be uploaded
into the Mastersheet (a tool used by your regional coordinator, your team’s designated data collector, and your
team’s leader. If you are not one of these people you do not need to worry about this part of the process).
Base Map
Each participating BAT and Tribe will be provided with a base map that includes known infrastructure data and
known digital equity indicators. These maps can be improved with the addition of local data. These maps will
help identify where current assets exist and where there are gaps.
Project Management Suite
Each participating BAT and Tribe will be provided with a collection of tools that are designed to support the
completion of plan components, tracking of deliverables, compiling the plan, assist with outreach, and more.
This includes a Google Drive, Mastersheet/Timeline containing elements of the workbook, and Google Forms
which can be sent out as surveys. The Project Managers will configure each suite of tools for each participating
entity and provide support as needed in using the tools.
Workshops and Office Hours
Workshops and office hours will be held throughout the duration of the project to provide support.
Digital Equity Support Team
The Digital Equity Support Team will provide workshops, office hours, and other forms of support throughout
the planning process. These efforts will provide direct support for local digital equity planning processes, pro-
vide examples of proven approaches for specific planning needs, and facilitate connections around common
challenges and opportunities.
Digital Equity Planning Workshops
Digital Equity Planning Workshops will be held on Tuesdays from 2-3pm, starting January 31st. Each workshop
will focus on a specific component of the Digital Equity Action Plan, strategies for reaching covered popula-
tions, or highlight proven approaches to local planning.
A schedule will be published at broadband.wsu.edu and updated regularly.
Digital Equity Planning Office Hours
Digital Equity Planning office hours will be held on Fridays from 2-3 p.m., starting February 3. Each session will
provide an open time for questions and sharing information for anyone who wants direct equity planning sup-
port or has specific questions.
Broadband Infrastructure Support Team
The Broadband Infrastructure Support Team will provide workshops, office hours, and other forms of support
throughout the planning process. These efforts will provide direct support for local broadband action plan-
ning processes, provide examples of proven approaches for specific planning needs, and facilitate connections
around common challenges and opportunities.
Broadband Action Planning Workshops
Broadband Action Planning Workshops will be held as needed, based on common themes. Each workshop will
focus on a specific component of the Broadband Action Plan, strategies for reaching covered populations, or
highlight proven approaches to local planning.
A schedule will be published at broadband.wsu.edu and updated regularly.
Broadband Action Planning Office Hours
Broadband Action Planning Office Hours will be scheduled during critical junctures in the planning process.
Each Office Hours sessions will provide an open time for questions and sharing information for anyone who
wants broadband action planning support or has specific questions.
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 13
Go to broadband.wsu.edu for
the most up-to-date online
resources to accompany this
workbook.
Developing Your Action Plans
The Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plans will
provide local frameworks for communities to ensure
that meaningful broadband access, adoption, and ap-
plication is available to everyone.
While broadband and digital equity planning each have
distinct components, they should be viewed as comple-
mentary efforts aimed at the core objective of closing
the digital divide. As the BEAD program highlights, suc-
cessful infrastructure deployment requires that all com-
munities can meaningfully adopt and use high-speed
internet services, particularly those that have histori-
cally been excluded from access, such as communities
of color, Tribal nations, rural areas, and lower-income
areas. To support this alignment, we recommend that
the planning efforts are closely coordinated.
Aligning Broadband And Digital Equity Plans
This Workbook and the included planning templates are designed to support distinct, yet coordinated planning
processes. The Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plans may be led by different working groups, or separate
entities, but should regularly coordinate and provide updates through a central process, most likely the local
Broadband Action Team.
Unified Plan Components
To facilitate this coordination, both plans should share an executive summary and a general overview that in-
cludes unified vision, goals, and objectives. Each plan will then identify specific needs, assets, gaps, obstacles,
and paths forward. Between the two plans, there should collectively be priorities, activities, and strategies,
ensuring that each of the stated goals and objectives is addressed by at least one, if not both, of the plans.
Coordination Between Teams
If the Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plans are developed by different teams or lead entities, there are
several recommendations to support ongoing collaboration:
→Include at least one member from Broadband Action Plan Team on the Digital Equity Action
Plan Team and vice versa →Establish a clear process to share information and updates between planning teams →Ensure that Broadband and Digital Equity planning progress is shared during BAT Meetings
For participating Tribes, the section on Building and Strengthening your BAT and associated
Worksheets may not be directly relevant, but could provide useful information.
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 14
Washington Spotlight: Nearly 700 homes and businesses in
rural Pomeroy, Washington have access to high-speed broad-
band since the Port of Garfield completed its fiber-to-the-home
project in 2021. Previously, most of Garfield County was limited
to aging copper systems that exceeded the distance limitations
for all except the slowest DSL services.
Coordinated Stakeholder Outreach
Stakeholder engagement and outreach should be coordinated throughout the process of developing broad-
band and digital equity plans. Conducting outreach as a cohesive effort for the two programs will reduce the
burden and confusion on community stakeholders. Some initial outreach tasks may include:
→Assembling a comprehensive lists of stakeholders, identify overlaps, and coordinate or com
bine outreach to those stakeholders →Planning and hosting combined meetings and events
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 15
Building and Strengthening Your BAT
Broadband Action Teams (BATs) are community-driven collaborations that meet regularly to develop local ca-
pacity to identify and address opportunities, challenges, opportunities, goals, strategies, and plans to address
the broadband and digital equity needs for their communities. In the context of this workbook, the term BAT in-
dicates the team working on broadband in your community, including tribal communities. It does not necessarily
refer to a formal BAT organization.
An active BAT can assist in the identification of broad-
band gaps then work with providers and funders to target
investments to the locations with the greatest need and
highest demand. The local knowledge and engagement
of BAT members can help reduce telecommunications
overbuilds. Establishing or strengthening a BAT is an im-
portant step is supporting planning and coordination at
the local and state level.
It’s easy to see why BATs play an important role in iden-
tifying the broadband and digital equity needs of Wash-
ington’s communities, and how important they will be in
developing the plans for the state’s BEAD strategy.
A BAT can help a community:
→Centralize the broadband conversation, →Assist local and statewide digital equity and inclusion efforts, →Represent community technology and accessibility needs, →Connect participants to collaborative project goals, and →Bring early awareness of community projects to funding opportunities.
We have included worksheets in this workbook that can help you along the path, whether you are a seasoned
Broadband Action Team, or you are just launching to facilitate the efforts of these programs. For Tribal plans,
Worksheets 1-4 may not be relevant. Please complete any parts that you feel may be applicable.
Worksheet #1: Pre-BAT Effort Inventory
If your community doesn’t have an active BAT, Worksheet #1: Pre-BAT Effort Inventory may help you launch.
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 16
Worksheet #2: Building Your BAT
Worksheet #2: Building Your BAT may be utilized to log the members of your team and help you determine
who should/could participate in your BAT to ensure you have a diverse and representative group. Fundamental
to planning efforts, is ensuring that key stakeholders including covered populations have representation. Take
a moment to identify the members of your team and determine who should/could participate in your BAT to
ensure you have a diverse and representative group.
Worksheet #3: Defining BAT Roles
Every BAT will want to have certain people identified who will carry out the tasks needed to maintain the group.
These include leadership roles, note takers, the data collector, and folks who specialize in specific topics related
to broadband and digital equity. This worksheet will help you identify and log what members of your BAT are
committed to engaging those roles.
Worksheet #4: BAT Communications
Communicating with the community will be central to developing a broadband infrastructure and digital equity
plan. This worksheet will help your team define the methods of communication you will utilize to spread the
word about efforts you’re engaging in and solicit feedback from the community.
Visions, Goals, and Objectives
Having a clearly defined vision can support team cohesion though the development of alignment for what
success looks like for your community. This vision will inform strategies, serve as a guide for setting goals and
objectives, and determine the activities the community will choose to identify as prioritize in its Broadband
Action Plan.
Worksheet #5: Writing a Vision Statement
Worksheet #5 provides examples of vision statements, and a space for you to write down your team’s vision of
what success looks like for this planning process.
Defining Your Goals and Objectives
The goals outlined in the Broadband Action Plan will inform later plans, applications, and projects and should
consider long-term objectives for deploying broadband, closing the digital divide, addressing access, afford-
ability, equity and adoption issues, and enhancing economic growth and job creation.
Worksheet #6: Defining Your Team’s Goals And Objectives
Use Worksheet #6 with your team to outline the collective goals and objectives for broadband deployment and
digital equity in your community.
Broadband Action Plan
Each BAT and Tribe participating in this effort will be provided a Broadband Base Map at the onset of this plan-
ning effort that has been developed from publicly available data. This may be utilized as a jumping-off point for
understanding the current services, infrastructure, and demographic attributes in the area.
Local resources such as GIS datasets, previously collected survey data, studies, projects, etc., may be integrat-
ed into this mapping resource to further understand the needs and dynamics of the area, and strategize solu-
tions for gaps that are known or found to exist.
Asset mapping at the state level helps to identify
and build on the state’s existing resources, net-
works, and strengths; these are the assets. This
process helps emphasize capacity building and
community-based solutions, and it works with
community members and organizations as part-
ners invested in solutions, rather than as prob-
lems to be solved. By mapping the connections
of core assets in a region or community, and then
expanding iteratively, the asset mapping process
can generate a robust network of potential part-
ners and stakeholders.
Asset mapping is also particularly effective at un-
covering resources in the community that would
not otherwise have been invited to “a seat at the table” in a more traditional planning or engagement ap-
proach. Identifying the opportunities, interpersonal networks, and resources already present in a community
will help identify areas to support and scale strategies that are already in place – which reduces duplicative
efforts. In turn, asset mapping supports the empowerment of community institutions and people by sharing
ownership in the local coordination efforts.
This section of the workbook is broken down into five parts:
❶Review Local Broadband Base Map Data
❷Collect Local Broadband Asset Inventory Data
❸Broadband Infrastructure Needs Assessment
❹Obstacles And Barriers To Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
❺Potential Paths Forward
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 17
Local resources, such as GIS datasets, may be integrated into the County
or Reservation-wide Broadband Needs Map provided to each participat-
ing BAT and Tribe.
1. Review Local Broadband Base Map Data
We have collected publicly available data from various sources to create a broadband base map for you commu-
nity. The layers on this map will include things like data from the Washington State Broadband Office’s Speed
Test, NTIA’s Indicators of Broadband Need, Public Broadband Networks, Community Anchor Institutions, and
more. As a group, we’ll review this base map and look to understand if the data reflects what local community
members know to be true. We’ll also be trying to assess what data is missing from this map.
Worksheet #7: Reviewing Your Broadband Base Map
Worksheet #7 provides a space for you to write the URL of your local base map and take notes on your obser-
vations of the characteristics of the map. This will allow for you and your team to not only understand what the
existing data is saying about broadband availability in the area, but also perhaps notice specific areas that are
served, underserved, and unserved according to the public data.
2. Collect Local Broadband Asset Inventory Data
After reviewing the broadband base map data, your team will be tasked with collecting additional local data
that would help to inform what assets exist in your community that are not represented on the base map. This
may include:
Requesting shapefiles of local networks from local internet service providers
Locating any previously conducted local broadband survey of feasibility study data
Surveying anchor institutions about the quality of their services
Asking for GIS Data from your local utility and municipal entities, such as:
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 18
The County
Cities
PUDs
Ports
Tribal Entities
Other Local Utilities
You may also request a No-Cost Rapid Design Broadband Study Grant from the Washington State Broadband
Office to add to your data set. To request this, have a representative from the County email WSBO at wsbo@
commerce.wa.gov.
Worksheet #8: Local Asset Inventory
The broadband base map is just a start- your local assets being mapped on your local broadband map will help
to develop this resource for your community. The local broadband asset inventory Google Form found in your
team’s Google Drive folder (reach out to your regional coordinator for access) may be utilized to request data
from local utilities and municipalities to support the collection of data from these organizations that may pro-
vide useful for local broadband planning efforts.
Worksheet #9: Community Anchor Institution Service Inventory
The Washington State Broadband Office has set the goal that all community anchor institutions should have
access to 1/1Gbps services by the year 2026. In order to meet this goal, it will be critical that we have good in-
formation on the current level of services that these organizations are getting today. This worksheet can help
create an inventory of your local CAIs and serve as a place to tabulate what you learn about their current ser-
vices. Your team can use the Google Form titled, “Community Anchor Institution Survey” found in your team’s
Google Drive folder (reach out to your regional coordinator for access) to send out to your local CAI’s to gather
this data.
Worksheet #10: Internet Service Provider Outreach
Local Internet Service Providers are the current organizations providing internet services in your community.
Your team can create a list of ISPs to reach out to and then send the Google Form titled “ISP Outreach Infor-
mation” (reach out to your regional coordinator for access) to help gather information about the services and
programs they may have in your community.
3. Broadband Infrastructure Needs Assessment
Now that you and your team have reviewed the broadband base map and have collected your local asset data
it’s time to take a look and identify areas that appear to be struggling with the infrastructure component to
broadband access. You may notice from this data that there are areas that appear to be well-served, under-
served, and unserved.
Worksheet #11: Infrastructure Gaps On Our Community Broadband Map
4. Obstacles To Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
From the conversations you’ve had with local leaders, Internet Service Providers, Utility Providers, and com-
munity members. What do you perceive to be the obstacles to broadband infrastructure deployment in your
community? Worksheet #12 gives you space to brainstorm as a team about what the barriers your area is facing
to ubiquitous high-speed broadband.
Worksheet #12: Obstacles To Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
5. Potential Paths Forward
Through this process, you've likely learned a lot about the assets and challenges that exist within your com-
munity. With this information, now your team can imagine potential paths forward for how to overcome those
barriers to infrastructure access in your community.
Worksheet #13 gives you and your team space to write down those potential paths forward.
Worksheet #13: Potential Paths Forward For Broadband
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 19
Digital Equity Action Plan
The Digital Equity Action Plan is a local plan developed to identify the needs, existing assets, barriers to full use,
and strategies to support Covered Populations. The plan should be as inclusive as possible of local stakeholders.
The activities planned and implemented through this process build toward achieving digital equity.
Digital Equity is a phrase that is used to encompass that digital access and skills are now required for full par-
ticipation in many aspects of society and the economy. Digital Equity links Digital Inclusion to social justice and
highlights that a lack of access and/or skills can further isolate individuals and communities from a broad range
of opportunities. Things that support digital equity include Public Internet Access, Public Device Access, Afford-
ability, Adoption, Digital literacy skills, Online safety, and internet-connected device availability/affordability.
These are all things that are as important as the physical network infrastructure for communities to achieve
bridging the digital divide.
Each BAT and Tribe participating in this effort will be provided digital equity data at the onset of this planning
effort that has been developed from publicly available data. This may be utilized as a jumping-off point for
understanding the demographics of the area and common digital equity measurements. Local resources and
discussions are critical to further understand the needs and dynamics of the area and strategize solutions for
gaps that are known or found to exist.
This section of the workbook is broken down into five parts:
❶Review Local Population Demographic Base Map Data
❷Collect Local Digital Equity Asset Inventory Data
❸Conduct a Digital Equity Needs Assessment
❹Identify Barriers to Broadband Access and Adoption
❺Potential Paths Forward
1. Review Local Digital Equity Indicators Base Map Data
Similar to the broadband infrastructure data we have reviewed on this map, we have also collected publicly
available data from various sources on demographic and digital equity indicators for the populations in your
community and have integrated them into the broadband base map for your community. The layers on this
map will include things like data from the census on income levels, access to device ownership, unemploy-
ment, median age, level of education attained, Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility and participation,
and more. As a group, we’ll review these indicators to understand if there are populations or areas that may
benefit from additional programs or resources to support with realization of the benefits and opportunities
that high-speed Internet service can bring.
We will also work with you to identify what additional data is available or may be needed to develop a more
comprehensive understanding of the needs and barriers to broadband access, adoption, and use.
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 20
2. Collect Local Digital Equity Asset Inventory Data
After reviewing the demographic base map data, it will be the task for your team to collect additional local data
for the Digital Equity Asset Inventory that will help identify what resources, plans, and programs already exist
to support digital equity for Covered Populations in your community. The Digital Equity Asset Inventory is an
iterative product that will be developed and remain useful throughout and beyond this planning process.
Steps to Building Your Asset Inventory
Review pre-identified digital equity assets available to your community
Ask BAT members to identify and input known assets
Coordinate community outreach efforts
Identify local stakeholders that may play a role in digital equity efforts
Assign outreach tasks
Ask stakeholders to provide input using Worksheet #15
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 21
Analyze and develop a summary report of asset inventory
Identify which types of services are available throughout the region
Identify service areas of available services
Identify which services are available for Covered Populations
Identify any regional, sub-regional, tribal, or stakeholder digital equity plans
Recommend any necessary follow-up with stakeholders
Add to the inventory and summary report iteratively throughout planning process
Each community will have different assets available and different stakeholder networks for collecting the nec-
essary data. A successful asset inventory process involves coordinated outreach and reflects the input of a
range of stakeholders in your community.
Worksheet #14: Digital Equity Asset Inventory
The base map with population data is just a start- local assets being added to your broadband map will help
develop this resource for your community. The local asset inventory form may be utilized to request data from
local organizations working to support digital equity and inclusion initiatives. Documenting and organizing
data from these organizations may provide useful for local broadband planning efforts. Your team can use the
Google Form titled, “Digital Equity Asset Inventory Form” found in your team’s Google Drive folder (reach out
to your regional coordinator for access) to send out to local agencies to help document their current and future
efforts.
3. Conduct a Digital Equity Needs Assessment
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 22
Once your team has reviewed the population and demographic data on your broadband base map and have
collected your local digital equity asset data it’s time to take a look and identify areas that appear to be left be-
hind when it comes to support services around the digital equity and access component to broadband access.
What areas are you seeing that seem to be missing public computer centers, digital navigator programs, or
other needed programs?
Worksheet #15: Digital Equity And Access Needs Assessment
4. Identify Barriers To Broadband Access And Adoption
From the conversations you’ve had with local stakeholders, including those with lived experience, what do
you perceive to be the obstacles to broadband access, adoption, and use in your community? Worksheet #17
gives you space to brainstorm as a team about what the barriers your area is facing to ubiquitous high-speed
broadband.
Worksheet #16: Obstacles To Broadband Access And Adoption
5. Potential Paths Forward
You’ve also learned about the assets your community has for broadband. In your discussions have you learned
things that have helped you define potential paths forward for bringing better broadband access to your area?
Worksheet #13 gives you and your team space to think through potential paths forward for how to overcome
the barriers that exist for your community.
Worksheet #17: Potential Paths Forward For Digital Equity
Executive Summary Development
You’ve reached the end of your Broadband Infrastructure and Digital Equity Planning Effort. Congratulations!
Now it is time to go through all that you’ve learned and assemble an executive summary. Your worksheets
should make this part a breeze. Key questions you’ll answer in your executive summary include:
→What has been accomplished in our community already for broadband? →What assets exist? →Where does our community have infrastructure gaps? →What kinds of digital equity issues is our community facing? →What is our vision for overcoming these issues?
One final worksheet is waiting for you that will help you compile notes for this summary.
Worksheet #18: Key Points For Your Executive Summary
Worksheet Templates
Worksheet #1: Pre-BAT Effort Inventory...........................................................................................................24
Worksheet #2: Building Your BAT.....................................................................................................................25
Worksheet #3: Defining BAT Roles...................................................................................................................28
Worksheet #4: BAT Communications................................................................................................................29
Worksheet #5: Writing Your Vision Statement...................................................................................................30
Worksheet #6: Defining Your Team’s Goals and Objectives.................................................................................31
Worksheet #7: Reviewing Your Broadband Base Map.......................................................................................32
Worksheet #8: Local Asset Inventory................................................................................................................33
Worksheet #9: Community Anchor Institution Service Inventory........................................................................36
Worksheet #10: Internet Service Provider Outreach...........................................................................................38
Worksheet #11: Infrastructure Gaps on our Community Map............................................................................41
Worksheet #12: Obstacles to Broadband Infrastructure Development...............................................................42
Worksheet #13: Potential Paths Forward for Broadband...................................................................................43
Worksheet #14: Digital Equity Asset Inventory..................................................................................................45
Worksheet #15: Digital Equity and Access Needs Assessment............................................................................48
Worksheet #16: Obstacles to Broadband Access and Adoption..........................................................................49
Worksheet #17: Potential Paths Forward for Digital Equity................................................................................50
Worksheet #18: Key Points for Your Executive Summary....................................................................................52
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 23
Worksheet #1: Pre-BAT Inventory
→Will we have an advisory group that
provides insight and direction on broad
band projects?
→Will we have our meetings open to the
public?
→Will planning documents and meeting
notes be publicly available?
→How will we document stakeholder input?
→Will project plans be regularly adjusted
to reflect input from stakeholders?
→How will stakeholder plans include
engagement with people who have con
cerns or who may be critical of our efforts?
→How will we determine stakeholder
engagement activities to be appropriate
to each audience?
→Will public-private partnerships be a part
of our broadband plan?
Consider these questions and decisions as you think about forming a local Broadband
Action Team:
Pre-BAT Questions and Decisions
1.1 Leadership: Are there already broadband
champions in your community? Is there more
than one? Who are they?
1.2 Team: Does your community already have a
formal or informal broadband planning team? If
so, who are they, and can you coordinate your
efforts?
1.3 Existing Plans: Does your community have a broadband plan? Who has that plan?
1.4 Online Presence: Does your broadband planning team have a website? Is the broadband plan available
online?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 24
Worksheet #2: Building Your BAT
This worksheet will help you determine who should/could participate in your BAT.
❶List by name those already involved in your broadband activity.
❷Identify and list those you would like to involve in your BAT.
❸Assign who will invite them and the due date for this outreach.
❹Revisit this worksheet frequently to add members as identified and needed.
Already involved Want to involve Who will follow up?When?
Municipal
Governments
County
Governments
Tribal
Governments
Council of
Governments
Elected Officials
& Staff (State)
Elected Officials
& Staff (Federal)
State Agencies
Public Utility
Districts
Port
Authorities
Internet Ser-
vice Providers
Libraries
Healthcare
Providers
K-12 Education
Agencies
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 25
Higher Educa-
tion Agencies
Already involved Want to involve Who will follow up?When?
Nonprofit
organizations
Econ. dev.
authorities
Workforce dev.
authorities
Public housing
authorities
Orgs. serving
individuals with
disabilities
Orgs. serving
English lan-
guage learners
Orgs. serving
individuals
with low
literacy levels
Orgs. serving
veterans
Social services
organizations
Public safety
& emergency
mgmt.
Orgs. for
incarcerated
individuals
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 26
Orgs. for rural
interests
Civil rights
organizations
State & Local
Corrections
Local Businesses
Worksheet #2: Building Your BAT (Continued)
Worksheet #2: Building Your BAT (Continued)
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 27
Already involved Want to involve Who will follow up?When?
Planning
organizations
Churches and
faith-based org.
Chambers of
commerce
Transportation
planners
Community
members: Civic
leaders
Community
members:
youth & older
adults
Worksheet #3: Defining BAT Roles
Use this worksheet to Identify core team member roles. Who will serve the following roles?
Local Team Leader: Champion, meeting convener, facilitator
Team Secretary: Note taker, task tracker
Data Collector: Collector of data from the BAT and coordinator with LDA to submit to project folder
Community Outreach Team: Social media folks, people with email distribution lists, newsletter writers
Infrastructure Team: The people who focus on physical infrastructure (poles, wires, pipes, etc.)
Digital Equity Team: The people who focus on on affordability, digital literacy, access to devices, etc.
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 28
Worksheet #4: BAT Communications
Use this worksheet to determine communications plan for: →BAT members, key stakeholders, and supporters →Community members
4.1 What modes of communication will you use (email, website, social media, press, etc.)?
4.2 How will you communicate with BAT members, key stakeholders and supporters?
Who will be responsible for this communication?
4.3 What information will you communicate with the general public? How will that com-
munications take place, and who will be responsible for this?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 29
Vision statement examples:
Example #1
Our vision is to ensure our county has access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband infrastructure to
facilitate economic development, public welfare, digital equity, and quality of life for today and the foresee-
able future for area residents, businesses and community facilities.
Example #2
Our vision is to evaluate the feasibility of ensuring every premise in our county has access to affordable and
reliable high-speed broadband infrastructure to meet current and future social, educational, and economic
development needs.
Example #3
Our vision is to develop a telecommunications network plan for purpose of bringing low-cost, high-capacity,
reliable broadband to our county’s homes and businesses.
Example #4
Our vision is to bring the highest quality broadband and future-proof telecommunications technologies and
digital equity services to the residents and businesses that are currently unserved in our county.
Worksheet #5: Writing Your Vision Statement
Our BAT, Community, or Tribal Vision Statement
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 30
Worksheet #6: Defining Your Goals & Objectives
Example goals and objectives:
→Ensure the BAT is made up of representatives from frequently underrepresented populations
to ensure a holistic approach is taken in both digital equity barriers and solutions →Address the results of a needs assessment for underrepresented communities →Identify existing broadband service providers in our community →Develop an asset inventory of ongoing digital equity activities in our community →Identify areas that are not well-served by existing infrastructure →Identify areas where other digital equity needs are a barrier to access (affordability, know-how) →Identify infrastructure barriers and solutions →Identify digital equity barriers to accessibility and solutions →Increase participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program →Provide outreach and digital education programs to the aging populations in our community →Launch or enhance a digital support program at the local library
The goals and objectives for our team’s or Tribe's broadband and digital equity planning process are:
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 31
Worksheet #7: Reviewing Your Broadband Base Map
URL to locate base map:
7.1 Broadband Infrastructure Characteristics
Does the data reflect what you know about services in your community or Tribal area?
Service Availability
Speed Tests
Are all local service providers reflected on the map?YES NO
What layers are missing that are significant to our community or Tribal area?
7.2 Digital Equity Characteristics
Does the data reflect what you know about population attributes in our community or Tribal area?
What areas on this map may be having digital equity issues?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 32
Worksheet #8: Local Asset Inventory
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 33
Your team can use the Broadband Local Asset Inventory Google Form found in your team’s Google Drive fold-
er (reach out to your regional coordinator for access) to request the data outlined below from local utilities
and municipalities to support the collection of data from these organizations that may provide useful for local
broadband planning efforts. If these groups are unable to fill out the Google Form you can manually record
their responses and upload them into your team’s Broadband Asset Inventory Google Drive Folder and corre-
sponding spreadsheet.
Organization Name:
Contact Information:
Our organization currently has:
GIS Department
Telecommunications staff
Current or forthcoming capital projects, which would allow providers to lay new fiber at lower costs
(e.g., road construction, water, or sewer projects);
If yes, please describe:
We have utility Infrastructure Assets that may be of benefit to broadband deployment efforts:
Broadband or Telecommunications Networks
Dark Fiber
Conduit
Existing duct systems
Public rights-of-way, including roads and bridges
Towers
Tall Buildings
Streetlights
Water Towers
Water Distribution Systems
Wastewater Systems
Water Tanks
Other
*For each asset you have, please answer the questions on the following two pages.
Worksheet #8: Local Asset Inventory (Continued)
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 34
Type of Asset:
Physical Addresses:
Do you have GIS data for this asset that we could map on our community broadband map?
Yes, on local map
Yes, on local and state maps
No
Asset Owner:
Asset Owner Contact Information:
What is required to access this asset for broadband utilization?
Type of Asset:
Physical Addresses:
Do you have GIS data for this asset that we could map on our community broadband map?
Yes, on local map
Yes, on local and state maps
No
Asset Owner:
Asset Owner Contact Information:
What is required to access this asset for broadband utilization?
Worksheet #8: Local Asset Inventory (Continued)
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 35
Type of Asset:
Physical Addresses:
Do you have GIS data for this asset that we could map on our community broadband map?
Yes, on local map
Yes, on local and state maps
No
Asset Owner:
Asset Owner Contact Information:
What is required to access this asset for broadband utilization?
Type of Asset:
Physical Addresses:
Do you have GIS data for this asset that we could map on our community broadband map?
Yes, on local map
Yes, on local and state maps
No
Asset Owner:
Asset Owner Contact Information:
What is required to access this asset for broadband utilization?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 36
Worksheet #9: Community Anchor Institution
Service Inventory
Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) are defined by the FCC to include such entities as schools, libraries,
hospitals and other medical providers, public safety entities, institutions of higher education, and community
support organizations that facilitate greater use of broadband by vulnerable populations, including low-in-
come, the unemployed, and the aged. Broadband needs assessment and planning for CAIs is one of the most
critical steps that your BAT can take to improve broadband connectivity and promote economic growth in
your region. Conducting an inventory of the locations and speeds of the existing broadband services for CAIs
– and identifying the gaps in broadband coverage – can help attract new funding and target investments to
the areas with the most need. Conducting an inventory among all CAIs can also facilitate meaningful partner-
ships and strategies to ensure that your entire community has adequate broadband connectivity.
Your team can use the Google Form titled, “Community Anchor Institution Survey” found in your team’s Goo-
gle Drive folder (reach out to your regional coordinator for access) to send out to your local CAI’s to gather this
data. If these groups are unable to fill out the Google Form you can manually record their responses and upload
them into your team’s Community Anchor Institution Google Drive Folder and corresponding spreadsheet.
Consider these institutions:
Tribes and Gov. Agencies
Community Support Orgs
Public Housing
Healthcare - Hospitals
Healthcare - Clinics
Healthcare - Community
Libraries
Public Safety - Fire
Public Safety - Police
Education - K-12
Education - Higher Ed
Education - Technical
Institution Contact Current Speeds Current Provider
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 37
Worksheet #9: Community Anchor Institution
Service Inventory (Continued)
Institution Contact Current Speeds Current Provider
Worksheet #10: Internet Service Provider Outreach
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 38
Your team can create a list of ISPs to reach out to and then send the Google Form titled “ISP Outreach In-
formation” (reach out to your regional coordinator for access) to help gather information about the services
and programs they may have in your community. If these groups are unable to fill out the Google Form you
can manually record their responses and upload them into your team’s ISP Outreach Responses Google Drive
Folder and corresponding spreadsheet.
10.1 Our Broadband Action Team/Tribal Leads includes the following individuals:
10.2 We have identified the following initial BAT/Tribal priorities:
To help us better understand your role in providing services within our county, we have a few questions:
10.3 Where do you currently provide service in our county/Tribal area?
10.4 What services do you offer in our county/Tribal area? Please provide price points.
10.5 Do you participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program or any other low-income affordability and
digital equity programs?
Worksheet #10: Internet Service Provider Outreach
(Continued)
10.6 Are there areas in the county/Tribal area where network expansion is underway?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 39
10.7 Who are your staff working in the county or Tribal area? What are their roles?
10.8 What challenges are there to providing internet services in our county/Tribal area?
10.9 What gaps in awareness or knowledge about internet availability and uses are you aware of in the area?
10.10 Have you provided any training or other resources to residents and/or businesses to help them under-
stand the benefits of internet use? If yes, can you please provide additional information (what, when, where,
how, etc.)?
Worksheet #10: Internet Service Provider Outreach
(Continued)
10.11 Are you interested in working with our BAT/Tribe to address broadband needs in the community?
If yes, how? (Participate in BAT meetings, help with projects, sponsor events, etc.)?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 40
10.12 Can you provide a map of where your infrastructure is? YES NO
If so, please upload the file to our project folder or email:
We very much appreciate your time and welcome opportunities to work together
to improve broadband access and digital equity services for our community.
Worksheet #11: Infrastructure Gaps on our
Community Map
11.1 What areas of our community appear to lack access to broadband services?
11.2 What areas only have access to unlicensed fixed wireless?
11.3 What areas are missing middle mile infrastructure?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 41
11.4 What areas are missing last mile (end user connections) infrastructure?
Now that the Broadband Action Team has collected local data and it is integrated into their local broadband
map, reevaluate the map and reflect upon these questions.
Worksheet #12: Obstacles To Broadband
Infrastructure Deployment
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 42
Through this process, you and your team have likely learned a lot about the broadband landscape of your
community/Tribal area. Have you noticed some barriers or obstacles being brought to the surface? This
worksheet will give you space to identify the issues that may be preventing broadband infrastructure to be
deployed to all the residences and businesses within your area.
12.1 These financial needs may be preventing broadband infrastructure deployment:
12.2 These workforce gaps may be preventing broadband infrastructure deployment:
12.3 These policy barriers may be inhibiting broadband infrastructure deployment:
12.4 These community awareness issues may be inhibiting broadband infrastructure deployment:
12.5 These geographic issues may be inhibiting broadband infrastructure deployment:
12.6 These other things may be inhibiting broadband infrastructure deployment:
Worksheet #13: Potential Paths Forward For
Broadband
13.1 Possible Funding Mechanisms
→State Broadband Programs
→Tribal or Local Government
→Federal Programs
→Other
13.2 Entities Already Working on Expanding Broadband in Our Area
13.3 Local Entities Interested in Taking a Leadership Role for Local Broadband Expansion
13.4 Possible Workforce Planning Solutions
13.5 Possible Policy Solutions To Accelerate Infrastructure Deployment
13.6 Potential Service Zones for Broadband Infrastructure Development
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 43
Worksheet #13: Potential Paths Forward For
Broadband (Continued)
13.7 Local Service Providers Interested in Partnership or Expanding Services
13.8 Upcoming Municipal or Tribal Projects Where Conduit or Fiber Might be Deployed
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 44
Worksheet #14: Digital Equity Asset Inventory
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 45
Your team can use the Google Form titled, “Digital Equity Asset Inventory Form” found in your team’s Google
Drive folder (reach out to your regional coordinator for access) to send out to local agencies to help document
their current and future efforts. If these groups are unable to fill out the Google Form you can manually record
their responses and upload them into your team’s Digital Equity Asset Inventory Google Drive Folder and
corresponding spreadsheet.
Organization Name:
Contact Information:
The Area or Region our organization serves is:
14.1 Our organization currently has:
A Digital Equity Plan or identified digital equity priorities
Staff dedicated to providing digital equity services
Marketing and outreach staff
An interest in engaging digital equity, but no current programs or plans
Current or forthcoming projects or events which would allow for digital equity outreach or ser-
vices to be advertised or facilitated:
If yes, please describe project/event and timeline:
14.2 We currently serve the following populations that are targeted by the IIJA Digital Equity Program:
Populations who live in low-income households
Aging Individuals
Incarcerated Individuals
Veterans
Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with a language barrier, such as English learners, or those with low levels of literacy
Individuals of racial or ethnic minority groups
Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area
Children and youth in foster care
Individuals experiencing housing instability
Other
Worksheet #14: Digital Equity Asset Inventory
(Continued)
14.3 We have assets that can be leveraged to support digital equity efforts:
Communications channels to share information, such as newsletter
Meeting space for classes, trainings, or meetings
Public computer workspaces
Public Wi-Fi
Mobile hot-spot or device lending program
Digital literacy and skills classes or training
Training to support online privacy and cybersecurity
Staff that provide digital navigation services as part of their job
Local Digital Navigator programs
Other
Programs to provide affordable devices to low-income community members
Available assistance for Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment
Measures to ensure online privacy and cybersecurity
Assess online accessibility of public resources and services
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 46
*For each asset you have, please answer the following questions.
Type of Asset
Service Area
Website where services are available or more information can be found:
Physical address(es) where services are provided or available:
Languages supported other than English:
Contact Information:
Describe how the asset does or can support digital equity efforts:
Type of Asset
Service Area
Website where services are available or more information can be found:
Physical address(es) where services are provided or available:
Languages supported other than English:
Contact Information:
Describe how the asset does or can support digital equity efforts:
Worksheet #14: Digital Equity Asset Inventory
(Continued)
Type of Asset
Service Area
Website where services are available or more information can be found:
Physical address(es) where services are provided or available:
Languages supported other than English:
Contact Information:
Describe how the asset does or can support digital equity efforts:
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 47
Worksheet #15: Digital Equity and Access Needs
Assessment
15.1 Where do there appear to be gaps between available digital equity needs and services? In answering this
question, be sure to consider needs and services related to (a) Internet adoption, (b) devices, and (c) skills.
15.2 Which covered populations appear to lack awareness, adoption, or availability of dedicated and/or acces-
sible digital equity services?
15.3 Where are the gaps in availability of online safety and privacy training for your community?
15.4 What are the gaps in local online government, community, and cultural services?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 48
Worksheet #16: Obstacles To Broadband Access,
Adoption, And Application
16.1 These barriers may be preventing access, adoption and use of the Internet and devices:
16.2 These barriers and gaps may be preventing the provision of digital equity support services throughout
our region:
16.3 These community awareness issues may be inhibiting digital equity resources from being utilized:
16.4 What, if anything, is preventing you from assessing the digital equity landscape of your community? Are
there needs, gaps, or barriers that you’ve experienced in being able to assess the digital equity landscape of
your community?
16.5 Is there anything related to digital equity needs, gaps, or barriers that you were not able to cover in
Worksheets #15 and #16?
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 49
Through this process, you and your team have likely learned a lot about the digital equity landscape of your
community. Have you noticed some barriers or obstacles? This worksheet will give you space to identify the
issues outside of infrastructure that may be preventing digital equity from being realized within your area.
Worksheet #17: Potential Paths Forward For Digital
Equity
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 50
17.1 Possible Funding Mechanisms
→State Broadband Office Programs
→Tribal or Local Government
→Federal Programs
→Community Foundations
→Health Foundations
→Other
17.2 Entities Already Working on Digital Equity Issues in Our Community (Affordability, Access, Education,
Etc.)
17.3 Local Entities Interested in Taking a Leadership Role for Local Digital Equity Programs
17.4 Possible Workforce Planning Solutions
17.5 Possible Policy Solutions To Accelerate Digital Equity, Access, And Adoption In Our Community
17.6 Potential Regions/Populations Of High Focus Or Significance For Digital Equity Programs Outreach
In Our Community or Tribal Area
Worksheet #17: Potential Paths Forward For Digital
Equity (Continued)
17.7 Local Service Providers Interested in Digital Equity Partnerships
17.8 Upcoming Projects or Programs Where Digital Equity Awareness May Be Raised
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 51
17.9 How can existing local efforts and interested stakeholders be leveraged to improve digital equity in
our community?
17.10 How can outside resources, including state, federal, and private resources, be leveraged to im-
prove digital equity in our community?
17.11 Do you have evaluation built into your program designs?
Worksheet #18: Key Points for your Executive
Summary
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 52
This worksheet is an area to compile all that your team and learned both from a broadband infrastructure
and digital equity services standpoints. The bullets below will assist your team in developing your executive
summary. The worksheets that you’ve been working on should have the data to support filling this out and
bringing together all the data you’ve collected over the past couple of months.
Broadband Infrastructure Summary
Broadband Base Map Review
Public data does/does not reflect what we know to be true about broadband services in our area
Meeting space for classes, trainings, or meetings
Local Broadband Asset Inventory Data
Organizations that are currently serving our community with broadband
Other assets that are available that may support broadband deployment
Upcoming projects that may allow for conduit placement
Community anchor institutions being well served
ISPs that are currently serving our community
Organizations providing data for our community broadband map
Broadband Infrastructure Needs Assessment
Community Anchor Institutions that need improved services
Areas lacking broadband
Areas where the cost of services may be too high for the average household
Obstacles And Barriers To Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Challenges ISPs are facing to broadband deployment
Financial gaps preventing infrastructure investment
Workforce gaps
Policy barriers
Community awareness issues
Worksheet #18: Key Points for your Executive
Summary (Continued)
Potential Paths Forward
ISP planned expansion areas
Possible funding sources
Local leadership
Workforce solutions
Policy solutions
Upcoming municipal projects
Digital Equity Summary
Demographic Base Map Review
Public data does/does not accurately reflect our local population characteristics
Areas that appear to lack digital equity resources
Covered populations that are prevalent in our community
�ocal layers added to more accurately reflect our community
Digital Equity Asset Inventory
Organizations currently serving our community with digital equity services
Upcoming events or projects that could support digital equity efforts
Organizations currently supporting covered populations but not engaged in DE efforts
Community engagement resources
Digital Equity Needs Assessment
Regions that face barriers to access or lack available digital equity services
Populations that face barriers or lack access to digital equity services
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 53
Worksheet #18: Key Points for your Executive
Summary (Continued)
Barriers To Broadband Access And Adoption
Financial obstacles preventing broadband access or utilization
Workforce gaps
Policy barriers impacting broadband access or utilization
Workforce solutions
Community awareness issues around broadband equity
Other things that are a barrier to broadband engagement and utilization
Potential Paths Forward
Possible funding mechanisms
Entities providing leadership in this area
Regions/populations of high significance for outreach in our community
Local ISPs interested in DE partnerships
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 54
Upcoming programs or projects that could support DE efforts
Glossary
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 55
Term Definition
Aging Individual The term “aging individual” means an individual who is 60 years of age or
older.¹
Backbone
Infrastructure
A major high-speed transmission line that strategically links smaller high-
speed Internet networks across the globe.²
Bandwidth The capability of telecommunications and Internet networks to transmit data
and signals.²
Broadband;
Broadband Service
The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet access that is al-
ways on and faster than traditional dial-up access. Broadband includes several
high-speed transmission technologies, such as fiber, wireless, satellite, digital
subscriber line and cable. For the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),
broadband capability requires consumers to have access to actual download
speeds of at least 25 Mbps and actual upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.²
Broadband
Serviceable Location
The terms “location” and “broadband serviceable location” mean a business
or residential location in the United States at which fixed broadband Internet
access service is, or can be, installed.¹
Community Anchor
Institution (CAI)
The term “community anchor institution” means an entity such as a school,
library, health clinic, health center, hospital or other medical provider, public
safety entity, institution of higher education, public housing organization, or
community support organization that facilitates greater use of broadband
service by vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, low-income
individuals, unemployed individuals, children, the incarcerated, and aged
individuals.¹
¹ https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/BEAD%20NOFO.pdf
² https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/publication-pdfs/bbusa_broadband_glossary.pdf
Eligible Community
Anchor Institution
The term “eligible community anchor institution” means a community anchor
institution that lacks access to Gigabit-level broadband service.¹
Dark Fiber Fiber optic cable that is in place but not being used for broadband services.
(also see “Lit Fiber”)²
Glossary (Continued)
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 56
Term Definition
Digital Equity Recognizes that digital access and skills are now required for full participation
in many aspects of society and the economy. Digital Equity links Digital Inclu-
sion to social justice and highlights that a lack of access and/or skills can fur-
ther isolate individuals and communities from a broad range of opportunities.²
Digital Inclusion Implies that individuals and communities have access to robust broadband
connections; Internet enabled devices that meet their needs; and the skills to
explore, create and collaborate in the digital world.²
Internet Service
Provider (ISP)
A company that provides users (individuals or businesses) with access (a con-
nection) to the Internet and related services.²
Last Mile The technology and process of connecting the end customer’s home or busi-
ness to the local network provider.²
³https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/household-broadband-guide
Middle Mile
Infrastructure
The term “middle mile infrastructure” (A) means any broadband infrastructure
that does not connect directly to an end-user location, including a community
anchor institution; and (B) includes—(i) leased dark fiber, interoffice transport,
backhaul, carrier-neutral internet exchange facilities, carrier-neutral submarine
cable landing stations, undersea cables, transport connectivity to data centers,
special access transport, and other similar services; and (ii) wired or private
wireless broadband infrastructure, including microwave capacity, radio tower
access, and other services or infrastructure for a private wireless broadband
network, such as towers, fiber, and microwave links.¹
Digital Literacy The ability to leverage current technologies, such as smartphones and lap-
tops, and Internet access to perform research, create content and interact
with the world.²
Lit Fiber An active fiber optic cable capable of transmitting data such a broadband
service.²
Mbps *Mbps (Megabits per second) is the standard measure of broadband speed. It
refers to the speed with which information packets are downloaded from, or
uploaded to, the internet.³
Glossary (Continued)
WRITING BROADBAND ACTION AND DIGITAL EQUITY PLANS 57
Term Definition
Open Access The term “open access” refers to an arrangement in which the subgrantee
offers nondiscriminatory access to and use of its network on a wholesale basis
to other providers seeking to provide broadband service to end-user locations,
at just and reasonable wholesale rates for the useful life of the subsidized net-
work assets.¹
Underrepresented
Communities
The term “underrepresented communities” refers to groups that have been
systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of econom-
ic, social, and civic life, including: low-income households, aging individuals,
incarcerated individuals, veterans, persons of color, Indigenous and Native
American persons, members of ethnic and religious minorities, women,
LGBTQI+ persons, persons with disabilities, persons with limited English profi-
ciency, persons who live in rural areas, and persons otherwise adversely affect-
ed by persistent poverty or inequality.¹
Unserved Location The term “unserved location” means a broadband-serviceable location that
the Broadband DATA Maps show as (a) having no access to broadband service,
or (b) lacking access to Reliable Broadband Service offered with—(i) a speed of
not less than 25 Mbps for downloads; and (ii) a speed of not less than 3 Mbps
for uploads; and (iii) latency less than or equal to 100 milliseconds.¹
Rights-of-Way
Underserved Location The term “underserved location” means a broadband-serviceable location that
is (a) not an unserved location, and (b) that the Broadband DATA Maps show
as lacking access to Reliable Broadband Service offered with—(i) a speed of
not less than 100 Mbps for downloads; and (ii) a speed of not less than 20 Mbps
for uploads; and (iii) latency less than or equal to 100 milliseconds.¹
ROW are legal rights to pass through property owned by another. ROW are
frequently used to secure access to land for digging trenches, deploying fiber,
constructing towers and deploying equipment on existing towers and utility
poles.²
WSBO WSBO is an acronym for the Washington State Broadband Office.
For the latest online resources to accompany
this workbook, go to broadband.wsu.edu
Updated March 2023