The DC State Broadband and Digital Equity Office (SBDEO) is a department within the DC’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO). SBDEO is working to secure federal broadband funds and realizing a vision for DC in which every resident, every business, in every corner of DC can live, work, and thrive in the digital age—without bias or barriers. To realize this vision, the DC SBDEO works to ensure that every DC resident and business has access to affordable, high-speed internet in their homes, and in their local community anchor institutions (CAIs). SBDEO also works to ensure that every DC resident has the skills to effectively use internet access devices, and to be both productive and safe online. SBDEO works to enable residents to gain this connectivity and these skills, both in their daily life journeys, and in their journeys over time. The SBDEO intends to close the digital divide within the district.
The SBDEO will have oversight of the District of Columbia’s BEAD and Digital Equity grant funding implementation efforts. The BEAD Grant provides $42.45 billion to all 50 states and U.S. territories to fund planning, infrastructure, deployment, and adoption programs for expanding broadband connectivity throughout the next five years. The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs to promote digital opportunity – ensuring all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity to fully participate in the modern world.