We believe that digital access and skills are essential to thrive in the modern world. Whether looking for a job, staying connected, learning something new, or finding a favorite song or hobby, residents can gain so much from being able to access and use the internet.
Therefore, we are working to make South Bend a community where all residents have the access and understanding they need to get online. Our driving vision for this work is the pursuit of digital equity.
Digital Equity in South Bend
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), of which South Bend is a proud member, defines digital equity as
“a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.”
To achieve digital equity, we promote digital inclusion – the activities needed to ensure that everyone has the resources and tools to get online. At the City, we focus on three areas of digital inclusion:
- Ensuring residents have access to an affordable, reliable internet connection
- Providing residents with affordable, high-quality devices to get online
- Empowering residents with the digital skills and literacy necessary to maximize digital resources.
If South Bend is to achieve digital equity, we must make significant progress in these areas. Looking at rates of broadband (high speed internet) adoption, device ownership, and fiber availability (the fastest type of internet), we fall significantly behind our peer cities (cities similar to us in terms of their region, size, economy, etc.).
However, we are building on positive momentum in our city; since 2015, we have made significant progress in device and broadband access. Through the goals and efforts outlined in this roadmap, we will continue this work to connect all residents in South Bend.
Note: a key theme in our roadmap is that this federal data is incomplete and must be complemented with local data. For instance, “households with a broadband subscription” as measured by the Census includes mobile data subscriptions and DSL, both of which are generally slower than most forms of high-speed connectivity, such as cable or fiber.
This Roadmap
In this roadmap, we focus on these three areas of digital inclusion: connectivity, devices, and digital skills.
For each area, we review our current state in South Bend and outline a collection of goals, commitments, ongoing projects, and resources aimed at bridging the digital divide. These goals and resources have been shaped by conversations with residents and community partners, particularly members of the South Bend Connectivity Coalition.
Especially as the federal government begins to spend $65 billion in funding for digital access, we are eager to engage residents in our strategic vision for digital equity in South Bend while promoting new resources residents can take advantage of.
If you are interested in learning more about our work or sharing your thoughts for a more fully connected community, please contact connectivity@southbendin.gov.
Please note that this roadmap will be updated regularly to reflect new goals, accomplishments, and resources.
Connectivity
Learn more about:
• 31 new Open Wi-Fi sites
• Our plans to improve internet infrastructure
• How we’re connecting students
Devices
Learn more about:
• City partners providing public access devices
• Initiatives we’re exploring to distribute devices to residents
Digital Skills
Learn more about:
• New surveys to deepen our understanding of digital skills in South Bend
• How we’re building digital skills at our Technology Resource Center
Resident Resources
Learn more about:
• How you can get a $30/month discount on internet and a $100 device discount
• Programs that provide free digital access and training