[1st-mile-nm] NTIA Broadband Adoption Toolkit

[Richard Lowenberg]

NTIA Broadband Adoption Toolkit

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2013/ntia-broadband-adoption-toolkit-shares-best-practices-across-us

The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA) today released its Broadband Adoption 
Toolkit, a document aimed at sharing best practices developed from 
broadband adoption and digital literacy projects funded by the Broadband 
Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). Leveraging the experience of 
about 100 communities served by BTOP to benefit the entire nation, the 
Toolkit gives practical ideas and tools for overcoming barriers to 
getting more Americans online access.

NTIA collected many of the best practices developed by BTOP grantees to 
create the Broadband Adoption Toolkit. This report gives guidance to 
communities and organizations across the country on how to structure the 
most effective broadband training programs, set up the most productive 
computing centers and teach people to use technology to improve their 
lives. The 68-page publication includes chapters on program planning, 
outreach, training and curriculum with many practical ideas and tools 
for bringing new groups online. NTIA utilized the contributions of 
nearly 40 programs in the toolkit.

Key messages and guidance in the toolkit include the following:

     Make digital literacy programs relevant by teaching skills that can 
change people’s daily lives, such as how to apply and search for a job 
online.
     Partner with established community organizations that people know 
and trust to help engage hard-to-reach populations.
     Provide convenient times and locations for broadband training and 
computer use to ensure easy access.
     Address the cost of broadband adoption by providing access to 
discounted computer equipment and/or affordable broadband service.

Today’s announcement also includes:
A complete listing of projects funded under BTOP, along with extensive 
reporting data, to be found at www2.ntia.doc.gov  .

Link to Toolkit: http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/files/toolkit_042913.pdf   
(23MB)



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Richard Lowenberg, Executive Dir.
1st-Mile Institute, 505-603-5200
P.O.Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
www.1st-mile.org  rl at 1st-mile.org
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